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

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

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2022

Historians and critical race scholars view King's letter as an early example of critical race theory.

From Salon • Aug. 23, 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