Town Square

What exactly is Critical Race Theory and why is it being banned?

Today, we define, explain, and take listeners’ questions about Critical Race Theory.

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People protest outside the offices of the New Mexico Public Education Department’s office, Nov. 12, 2021, in Albuquerque, N.M. 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 “anti-racist.”

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Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk.

We are all familiar with the term.

Some have been led to outrage by it, while others are adamant about it.

Yet, there also seems to be confusion about what it is.

Today, we define, explain, and take your questions about Critical Race Theory.

In the past year, more than 35 states have introduced more than 150 bills limiting what schools can teach about race-politics in American history.

Critical race theory – what is it?

Is it what some people think it is?

How is it being restricted in Texas? In recent headlines, Texas now requires new charter schools to ensure they won't teach critical race theory, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes ending university tenure to combat critical race theory teachings.

If you're a parent, how have you seen reactions for – or against it – affect your child's school? And how can we help further a constructive dialogue about this issue?

Dr. Vida A. Robertson

  • Associate Professor of English and Humanities
  • Director of the Center for Critical Race Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown

Dr. James Thomas Jones, III

  • Associate Professor of History at Prairie View A&M University

Dr. Sumi Cho

  • Director of Strategic Initiatives at The African American Policy Forum

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk.

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This article is part of the Town Square with Ernie Manouse podcast

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Catherine Lu

Catherine Lu

Senior Content Producer & Announcer

While growing up in Chicago and Houston, Catherine’s love for art, music and creative writing was influenced by her teachers and parents. She was once concertmaster of the Clear Lake High School Orchestra and a four-time violinist of the Texas All-State Symphony. A graduate of the University of Chicago, Catherine...

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