Critical Race Theory
In New Mexico, education officials are moving forward with a social studies curriculum that increases focus on identity, race and
AP Photo/Carl Attanasio, File

How much should parents be involved in school curricula?

A trio of bills in Illinois would increase parental access to what’s being taught in Illinois schools by requiring teachers to do things like post their lesson plans online. This is just one of many rallying cries on the right to exert more control over — or make “transparent” — what’s happening in the classroom. The 21st was joined by a two journalists who've been following the story and a professor of information science.  

People protest outside the offices of the New Mexico Public Education Department's office, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The education department proposed changes to the social studies curriculum that critics describe as a veiled attempt to teach critical race theory. Supporters say the new curriculum, which includes ethnic studies, is
AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio

Critical Race Theory: What is it? Where is it taught? How is it weaponized?

Today we spent our show understanding what Critical Race Theory is, why it’s become so weaponized and what examining systemic racism in a classroom setting looks like. To talk about it, we were joined by a professor of information sciences, a professor of education who teaches Critical Race Theory, a professor from NIU's Center for Black Studies, and a public policy reporter. This show originally aired November 17, 2021.

People protest outside the offices of the New Mexico Public Education Department's office, Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The education department proposed changes to the social studies curriculum that critics describe as a veiled attempt to teach critical race theory. Supporters say the new curriculum, which includes ethnic studies, is
AP Photo/Cedar Attanasio

Critical Race Theory: What is it? Where is it taught? How is it weaponized?

Today we spent our show understanding what Critical Race Theory is, why it’s become so weaponized and what examining systemic racism in a classroom setting looks like. To talk about it, we were joined by a professor of information sciences, a professor of education who teaches Critical Race Theory, a professor from NIU's Center for Black Studies, and a public policy reporter.

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