Critical Race Theory v.s. Louisiana

On Monday, October 11th, 2021, the Louisiana House of Education Committee held a hearing to discuss the issue of critical race theory. Though the controversy surrounding the subject began early this year, it has spread uproar throughout the country. But what is critical race theory, and why is it so important?

Most would interpret it as the idea that race is a social construct, and racism is not the root of someone's ignorance or prejudice but something within the legal system and policies. But most importantly, racial theory shows the discriminatory behavior of the economy, government, and social structure of America. What is so frightening about learning this concept, and why does it have such negative attention in the public eye?

Well, the answer seems clear, if this theory stays in schools, it changes the narrative of U.S. history. But, in doing so, changing the foundation of American Education contributes to the continuation of White Supremacy.

The racial theory breaks down the shared knowledge to present how this country became racially divided. Unfortunately, the American History curriculum does not give a valid answer, so one must seek their own through research and discussion. So, what is the harm behind the concept of racial discussion, and what can standards do to change the narrative? Dianne Moore, a former teacher in Louisiana, participated in the Louisiana House of Education hearing and talked about racial theory's effects on students. According to the Daily Advertiser, Moore states, "new standards could be designed in a way to make students ashamed of their history and quash any patriotic feelings about America." Education is the gateway of knowledge, bringing forth new ideas, thus pushing students to become critical thinkers. Moore should know this better than anyone seeing that she was once an educator herself. Educators should want to express the truth to students to see the world through another lens. But instead, the idea of persevering American patriotism deems to be more important than historical facts. All students of Louisiana and throughout the country will not see America the same way. So, shouldn't an educator cater to all their student's demographic backgrounds?

The history of Louisiana is racially complex, being that it was one of the 13th Confederate States. Also, the state's African American population is 32.4 percent, Whites taking up 62.01 percent, leaving other minorities at 2.04 percent, which means the education system will cater to the larger party. Though Louisiana is not the only state which suffers from this issue, it dreadfully impacts how the education system will run. The curriculum will only focus on the need of the dominant group for the value of comfort. But it also shows that even though education, racial dominance, and control are vital to White Superiority.

Through American education, specifically history, students will learn the basic concepts, such as Christopher Columbus discovering America and The Declaration of Independence signing of 1776, but does not dive much more profound. The closest discussion of race achieved is through slavery and the Civil Rights Movement. Though they are historical points in the U.S., shouldn't children learn and discuss why race is still a critical issue in this country? Why does this education system discuss race as a negative perspective to some children, while others hear of triumphs and achievements?

Jane Elliot, an American diversity instructor, explains the construction of American education and its purpose, stating, "We educate in a way that says that White males have made all the adventures, all the discoveries everything good has been accomplished, according to Social Studies, which is Anti-Social Studies by White Males. It's a lie, but we do that to maintain White Superiority". In the American History curriculum, White men are the prime subject to every critical event in this country. The reason being that it holds the idea that "white is right" and that White Americans achieved higher lengths than other people in America. But this is why when classrooms discuss other races through history, the curriculum focuses on the negative aspects, such as Jim Crow, Slavery, Immigration, or Internment Camps. The same Americans who "discovered" and "liberated" this country did all these atrocities, yet in today's world, racial injustice remains. But, if this idea of White Americans throughout history contributing more bad than good comes forth, how will it affect the students?

It is hard to say how this information will affect children, but most deem it unethical to discuss race in the classroom. But this issue will continue to grow as governor, and mayoral elections proceed in later November. Many feel that racial theory will play a vital role in elections because it shows whether an influential person agrees or disagrees with this concept. Republican Glen Youngkin, the Virginia elected governor, made his statement on racial theory on the final days of the governor race. According to CNN, Youngkin stated, "There's no place for critical race theory in our school system, and why, on day one, I'm going to ban it." Youngkin goes on to say, "it teaches children to see everything through a lens of race and then to divide them into buckets and have children [who] are called privileged, and others [who] are victims." The state of Virginia has a predominantly White demographic, being they take over 67.63 percent of the state, African Americans taking up 19.18 percent, Asians 6.40 percent, and other races at 3.79 percent. As previously stated, the American education system caters to the dominant demographic, so the racial theory would not be a subject of importance in Virginia. However, the privileged students that Youngkin mentions take up most of the state's schools. Thus they have the privilege to be taught in a way that makes them comfortable. In contrast, victims with smaller numbers conform to an education system that does not comfort them.

Youngkin also says that racial theory forces students to see race and divide them into victims versus privileged. However, Virginia shut down its public school system in 1959 to use tax money to support White schools to thwart the Supreme Court's Brown Verses Board. Even today, there are more segregated schools in the state than diverse due to this event. How can a governor ignore that their state's racial division forces children to see color even through education? The racial theory does not change history. Instead, it opens up the idea that race is a social structure in this country and will continue unless people of power and citizens take action. But one way to do that is to teach young minds the atrocities of the past that have led this country to the racial boiling pot they see today. Whether we shelter children or not, American society shows the truth due to racial issues reflecting their everyday lives through this social media-influenced world. Educators should tell them why these issues are proceeding around the country and where these hostilities stem. Unfortunately, their education system wants to become model American patriotic citizens and never question the narrative.

The American education system is not perfect, and redesigning it may take years to overcome. But discussing racial theory, a subject still reflected in modern America, is the first step towards a brighter future. Although many states have made it clear the issue is unacceptable in the classroom. Louisiana has the opportunity to move forward from the racial conflict of the past by giving back to young minds. Unfortunately, this decision depends significantly on the dominant demographic, unsettling.

Though a final decision will not happen until the 2023-24 school year, the anticipation has the state on its toes. Though the future may seem grim, one thing is sure: American Education's future is in the hands of U.S. citizens. So, for Louisiana's sake, it is up to residents to act on an issue that will shape this country forever.