The idea that critical race theory is harming white students in k – 12 schools is growing rapidly, even though there’s little to no evidence that this is true. So far, fourteen states have passed legislation limiting how educators can teach about race, and most other states have proposed laws that would do so.
Proponents of these laws (who for the most part have no training or background in education) claim that teaching about systemic racism is “divisive.”
However, research shows that when children learn about race, prejudice, and racism, their racial bias decreases.
It’s crucial that both educators and parents understand the value of high-quality lessons & dialogue about race and racism. It’s especially important that those of us who are white speak out against the idea that white children are harmed by these conversations and lessons.
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Is critical race theory taught in schools?
First, it’s important to clarify something: very few students in the United States are being introduced to critical race theory before college. It’s a highly complex framework that is primarily used in graduate school legal, sociology, and literature programs.
Critical race theory is a framework for understanding systemic racism in the United States. It proposes that racism is socially constructed and is much more than individuals’ prejudice. Finally, it teaches that racism is embedded in U.S. laws and social structures.
Conservative lawmakers have jumped on this last idea, saying that white children are being taught that racism is their fault. I’d find this funny (if the consequences for students weren’t so serious) since lessons on systemic racism are about systems more than they are about individuals.
Want to understand the debate over critical race theory in education? EdWeek has an excellent downloadable resource here.
One of the reasons these bans are so dangerous is that the laws are vague. In some states, simply discussing white privilege or historical racism is now against the law.
How children of all races benefit from learning about race and racism
While critical race theory is not being taught in your local elementary or middle school, there are teachers and parents who are taking on the important task of talking about racism.
What does research about these kinds of conversations show?
White children’s racial bias decreased when they learned about the role racism played in Black leaders’ lives
Developmental psychologist Dr. Rebecca Bigler led a study where white children read two different versions of short historical biographies of famous African-Americans.
For example, one group read an account of Jackie Robinson that included how white fans taunted him, and how he was shut out of the Major Leagues for years. Another group read a version of his story that omitted that information.
The group who read the account that included racial discrimination had better racial attitudes towards Black people than the group who read the censored version. (See chapter 3 of NurtureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman for more info on this study.)
Leaving racism out of history is exactly what these new legislative bans are designed to do. As Tennessee teacher Mike Stein points out, truthful and effective teaching can’t be done without talking about racism:
“History teachers can not adequately teach about the Trail of Tears, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. English teachers will have to avoid teaching almost any text by an African American author because many of them mention racism to various extents.”
Talking to Black children about discrimination can help protect them from the effects of racism
All children go through a process called racial-ethnic socialization (REC), although parents of color are more likely to play an intentional role in REC than white parents do.
Psychologist Dr. April Harris-Britt has studied how parents of color participate in their kids’ racial identity development. She’s found that talking about discrimination, as well as teaching kids of color ethnic pride, helps protect them psychologically from the negative effects of racism. (See Raising White Kids by Jennifer Harvey, chapter 4, for more info.)
Taking ethnic studies classes can improve the performance of students of color
Several small studies of high school pilot programs have found a range of positive benefits when students of color take ethnic studies classes. Ethnic studies classes have improved Black and Latino students’ attendance, grades, graduation rates, and their political engagement.
That last part about political engagement especially caught my attention. Before our obsession with standardized testing, one of the primary goals of education was preparing citizens to live in a democratic society.
How does censoring history help young learners prepare to participate in and lead a democracy that is incredibly diverse, and where controversy over race is common?
Conversations about race between peers can reduce prejudice in white children
Lawmakers intent on banning critical race theory claim they are protecting white children from feeling uncomfortable.
(Side note to these politicians: learning of all kinds involves discomfort, because it requires us to grow.)
Yet many children are willing to talk about race and racism, and this can have a positive effect on other kids.
Related post: 6 ways to involve parents in your anti-bias teaching
A study led by Dr. Frances Aboud and Dr. Anna Beth Doyle identified whether white 3rd and 4th graders had low levels of racial prejudice or high levels compared to their peers. Then, a child with a low level of prejudice was matched with a kid who had a high level of prejudice. They were asked to talk about racial attitudes.
The result? Children with high levels of prejudice became significantly less prejudiced after talking with their peer who had low levels of prejudice.
Seeing others act as allies shows white children possibilities for action
One of the many things that laws banning critical race theory get wrong is that teaching about racism involves demonizing all white people.
Our lessons about racism can and should highlight the resistance of people of color, and point out when allies have stood in solidarity with them.
A study by psychologist Dr. Sheri Levy and others found that providing examples of allies both shows white children what they can do, and alleviates feelings of guilt.
White children need to see that being antiracist can be a part of what it means to be white.
Resources for talking truthfully with kids about racism + ways to fight bans on critical race theory in education
Want ideas and inspiration for teaching about racism in the classroom?
- Want to teach kids about racism? Four things you must do first. Make sure you’re engaging in these race conscious practices before you tackle teaching about systemic racism.
- Exploring systemic racism with elementary age children. This 90 minute workshop will give educators & community workers lots of activities for exploring what racism is and what kids can do about it.
- 9 inspiring ways educators are practicing antiracism at school. This blog post with examples from real-life teachers is sure to get your creative juices flowing.
Want to go deeper in your conversations with white children about race and racism?
- What’s wrong with saying “we’re all equal?” 5 conversations about race white kids need to have. My free guide full of conversation starters for kids of all ages.
- Raising Antiracist Kids: An age-by-age guide for parents of white children. My book which gives lots of concrete examples and practices for toddlers, preschoolers, elementary, and middle school age kids.
- Nurturing antiracist white kids online course. An in-depth course for parents and educators on how to engage in meaningful conversations about race and support white kids in becoming antiraicst.
Want to speak out against laws that ban critical race theory in education?
- Educators can sign Zinn Education Project’s pledge to teach the truth. While you’re on their site, check out their lesson plan ideas, which are excellent.
- Parents: write to your state legislators urging them to reject bans on teaching about racism. Talk about how learning truthful history and discussing race positively impacts your child. (Head here to see a map of which states are currently considering these laws.) While you’re at it, let your children’s teachers know that you are supportive of accurate lessons on race and racism.