critical race theory

American  

[krit-i-kuhl reys thee-uh-ree, theer-ee] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈreɪs ˌθi ə ri, ˌθɪər i /

Sometimes Critical Race Theory

noun

1. a conceptual framework that considers the impact of historical laws and social structures on the present-day perpetuation of racial inequality: first used in legal analyses, and now applied in education, communication studies, and sociology. CRT

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Etymology

Origin of critical race theory

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Cheryl Harris, a legal scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a leading thinker in the field of critical race theory, has helped organize the May 3 protest.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2023

Razack also specializes in critical race theory, a framework for analyzing systemic racism.

From Washington Post • Apr. 3, 2023

What we can learn from critical race theory really has more to do with the resilience of the idea of equality and the resilience of the idea of democracy.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2023

For decades, critical race theory was something discussed almost exclusively by scholars and academics.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2022

Montaño, a professor at Cal State Northridge, said that critical race theory is not discussed in K-12 classrooms, but discussions of race remain an important subject matter for all children.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2022