Countering the Silencing Intent of Attacks on Critical Race Theory

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

This session will examine some of the key factors involved in turning CRT into a political cudgel that is being used, not to examine how race works, but rather to silence serious attention to race in education institutions. After the chair provides an overview of the purpose of the session and a brief synopsis of what the research says about the impact on students of teaching about race and racism, four panelists will each speak for about 12 minutes. Panelists were selected for their expertise in the following areas:
• Critical Race Theory: Its origins, purpose, and intellectual trajectory
• How media frame issues to the public
• State legislation banning teaching about race vs. grassroots efforts to adopt ethnic studies at the state level
• Public schools’ efforts to address race and racism in an anti-CRT climate

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Christine E. Sleeter, California State University - Monterey Bay

Papers

• Critical Race Theory's Origin Stories - Daniel G. Solorzano, University of California - Los Angeles

• Media and Messaging Critical Race Theory - Ashley Burns, Rally

• Extremists Seek to Engineer Consent While Advocates Gain Ground for Ethnic Studies in Texas - Angela Valenzuela, The University of Texas at Austin

• Countering the Chilling Effects of the Critical Race Theory Attacks on Addressing Race and Racism in Schools - Chala Holland, Naperville School District 203

Discussant

• Francesca López, Pennsylvania State University