Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic and legal framework that examines the intersection of race, law, and power. It argues that race is a social construct that has been used to justify discrimination and oppression, and that racism is a systemic problem that is embedded in our institutions and policies. For instance, a critical race theory analysis of school discipline data might reveal that Black students are disproportionately suspended and expelled, suggesting that racism is at play in the education system.
CRT has been influential in fields such as law, education, and sociology. It has helped to raise awareness of the role of race in society, and has led to changes in policies and practices that have benefited people of color. One key historical development in CRT was the Critical Race Theory Symposium, held at the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1989. This symposium brought together a group of leading scholars in the field, and helped to establish CRT as a major intellectual movement.
