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In 2023 the number of books banned in the United States rose to 4,250 unique book titles (as reported by the American Library Association), a national record. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is one umbrella term by which multiple, and sometimes over a hundred books are banned at once. Learn the history of CRT, how it is conflated with other topics, and why CRT is the target of book bans nationwide.
Conversation Questions
- What is CRT?
- What are “divisive concepts”?
- How are CRT and “divisive concepts” perceived in the media?
Key Definitions
Critical race theory (from Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
: a group of concepts (such as the idea that race is a sociological rather than biological designation, and that racism pervades society and is fostered and perpetuated by the legal system) used for examining the relationship between race and the laws and legal institutions of a country and especially the United States
—abbreviation CRT
Research and Learn with Online Resources
Other Resources
Articles
Critical Race Theory: Frequently Asked Questions, Legal Defense Fund
Critical Race Theory, Encyclopedia Britannica
The War on Books: Parent and Educator Perspectives, Abbey Bachmann and Aimee Tellez, Vol. 6 No. 1 (2023): Censorship and Young Adult Literature: Intellectual Freedom, Reading Rights, & Reading Activism
Aimee Tellez of Katy, Texas discovers that her local school district is seeking to ban the book, New Kid and cancel a virtual visit with its author, Jerry Craft. Aimee shares the book with her 5th grade son which both enjoy. The article describes what they and others in Katy ISD found readable and relatable about the book and how the community fought to reinstate the book and Jerry Crafts visit. University of Houston lecturer, Abbey Bachmann follows the story with information about CRT and parent opposition to New Kid.
Pen American Index of Educational Gag Orders
Contains links to state bills using the language of Executive Order 13950 (January 20, 2021) and the state’s version of divisive concepts.
Videos and Podcasts
Joy Reid Schools Critical Race Theory Critic on Legal Scholarship
The Debate Over Critical Race Theory, The Daily Podcast, July 2, 2021
Discussion over teacher diversity training in response to reported racial issues in Loudoun County sheds light on how the public views CRT. The episode provides a history of CRT and brings the little known topic up to the 1776 Commission, the repeal of Executive Order 13950, and President Biden’s statements on the Tulsa Oklahoma Massacre. The Daily is a product of The New York Times and the expert interviewed, Tip Gabriel, is a national correspondent who has covered presidential campaigns.