Over the course of the last year, conservative republicans have found a new “Boogie man” to chase called Critical Race Theory (CRT). These conservatives Republicans have branded CRT as anything from teaching hate to making white children feel bad about themselves. Multiple states passed laws banning “CRT.” But few of the governors, legislators or voters who support these ban know what CRT is. Rather, they are using the term to attack anything that teaches about racism and white supremacy. Our guest for this episode is Professor Kenneth Nunn, who is a law professor and a race scholar. We are discussing: Defining Critical Race Theory.
Professor Nunn teaches at the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. As such, he is at the epicenter of one of the most virulent attacks against teaching anything about race, the history and contribution of black people to the development of the United States. Florida recently passed a bill that prohibits any discussion of certain race related material. Professor Nunn explains the legislation. He also explains how these types of bills seek to silence a truthful telling of institutional racism in America. In an almost absurd way, the language of the bill seems to require being racist in order to be against CRT!!
Nunn cautions us not to get distracted by the new boogie man of the moment. He wants us to keep our eyes and energy on tackling issues of racism and white supremacy. We know how dangerous white supremacy is and how it threatens democracy.
As usual we will provide additional resources for you, including scholarly explanations of what CRT really is. In the meantime, please enjoy, Defining Critical Race Theory.