Free Our Schools

Fact: Critical Race Theory is a research tool used by scholars for well over 40 years. This theory helps researchers think critically about the history of racism in our country and beyond in order to toward solutions that will provide healing and create avenues for educational, social, and economic equity for all.

Fact: Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices have been in effect well before the rapid increase of false CRT narratives and related policies. DEI practices help create and promote safe environments for all persons through tools and strategies for cooperative and collaborative interactions and improve work and learning environments. DEI initiatives do not stop independent thinking. These initiatives enhance independent thinking about broadened perspectives through the incorporation of all community narratives and experiences.

Fact: Social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and other practices in schools are evidence-based practices that serve the needs of all students, regardless of race, gender identity, disability, or socio-economic status.

Fact: CRT has never been included in national or state content standards. Additionally, CRT is not a part of P-12 curriculum. General critical thinking skills should be taught in classrooms and promote students' abilities to think independently and masterfully as well as challenge ideas on all topics and concepts using critical thinking strategies.

Fact: Based on recent survey data, more parents favor the teaching of race and relevant historical events. According to this national data set, parents want their children to learn about diverse groups and concepts and be prepared to understand and work with diverse groups in and out of school settings.

Fact: Systemic racism and white privilege are concepts that predate CRT by decades. However, the existence of white privilege and systemic racism is not a matter of opinion or perspective. It is a clear and undeniable fact that has been demonstrated by research and lived experience. To deny the existence of these concepts is to deny the experiences of millions of people who endure ongoing oppression simply because of their race. Simply put, there is no room for debate when it comes to white privilege and systemic racism - they are not concepts to be debated; they are facts that cannot be denied.

Fact: CRT does not address implicit bias, which is a newer concept. However, unconscious bias is firmly established through research. Studies have shown that our unconscious biases can influence many aspects of our lives. Because bias is so deeply rooted in our minds and operates largely outside of our awareness, it can be difficult to recognize and overcome. Unconscious bias and white privilege are powerful forces that help to create and maintain barriers to racial equity. These biases can heavily impact our interactions with other people, particularly people of color, who are often seen through a lens of negative or stereotypical associations.