Opponents of critical race theory argue that its goal is to divide America. Proponents say it offers a deeper understanding of how racism has shaped public policy and, by extension, today’s society. In an attempt to bridge that gap, in late July, The Heritage Foundation hosted a panel discussion — titled “Understanding Critical Race Theory” — at Georgetown’s Crossroad Community Church to inform participants about CRT and give information on “what you can do to stop it from dividing our children, families and nation,” a news release stated. In contrast, during a separate interview, Dr. Alison Parker, chair and Richards Professor of American history at the University of Delaware, said that at its roots, CRT is theory meant to help college students explore the way racism has been built into American society.
- Minorities voting for the Democratic Party for the last 60 years have shaped most of the major cities in America. Elections have consequences, and when you keep voting for people who don’t do much for you, you can’t prosper. Critical race theory is a theory. Democrats should worry about teaching kids how to read, write and do math. — Ryan Fenimore
- I think the word “theory” is the issue. Evolution is a theory. Trump being reinstated was an absurd theory. The name CRT should rightfully be renamed CRF or critical race facts because I’ve read nothing on the topic that’s theoretical, only facts about the real history of this country, from the government policies to the extermination of Native Americans, the evils of slavery, to the origins of policing and the post-slavery institutional laws and regulations that mostly persist to this day. So would you be against that name change and the teaching of factual history? If so, why? I know of this history, my children know of it, and we don’t “hate America” or White people. — Michael Jones
- I find it baffling when people say that learning about our country’s racist history will divide the country. I’m White, and I don’t mind learning about our history even when it talks about the bad behavior of White people. I don’t feel guilty. I don’t feel threatened. Why should I? I get curious, and I wonder how we can use what we learn to make the world more healthy, more equitable, more sustainable. If today’s White people can’t face anything negative about their ancestors, they are living in a state of fear and denial, or they are fighting to hold on to White privilege. Dear White people: Don’t be guilty, don’t be afraid. Get curious! — Kristin Froehlich
- How about just teaching complete and factual history? Shouldn’t that cover everything? — Bill Smith
- Wikipedia: “The Heritage Foundation (abbreviated to Heritage) is an American conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., primarily geared towards public policy. The foundation took a leading role in the conservative movement during the presidency of Ronald Reagan, whose policies were taken from Heritage’s policy study Mandate for Leadership.” Not exactly a neutral, nonbiased association rooted in facts. — James Domfort
