Critical Race Theory and Its Critics

Who and what are behind the attacks on Critical Race Theory (CRT)? Why are attacks on the teaching of racism happening now and what can be done about them? In this book, López and Sleeter answer these questions in an effort to intentionally and strategically provide readers with sustainable tools for teaching toward an equitable future. This comprehensive book includes an overview of today’s controversy surrounding CRT; a historical account of efforts to thwart fair and unbiased education opportunities; research on why these efforts have been successful; and ways for teachers, school leaders, and researchers to address this pushback in their own work. Contrary to claims by critics of CRT, research supports that addressing racism in the classroom is an integral part of a broader effort in ensuring that all children thrive. Written in an accessible style for a broad audience, Critical Race Theory and Its Critics offers evidence-based recommendations on messaging (including social media), organizing, and sharing research.

Book Features:

• Draws from published research, as well as current news articles, reports, and events.
• Offers one cohesive resource on CRT, antiracist education, and the political landscape.
• Delves into the role of the news media, social media, and think tanks in creating the controversies with guidance for combating their messaging.
• Contextualizes the immediate precursors to the attacks on CRT and other equity-focused approaches in schools.

Francesca López is the Waterbury Chair in Equity Pedagogy and professor of education at Pennsylvania State University. Christine E. Sleeter is professor emerita in the College of Education, California State University, Monterey Bay and coauthor of Transformative Ethnic Studies in Schools.

“(A) brilliant and well-researched exploration of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and those opposed to it, as well as the policy and historical ramifications of sensationalized racial discourse, that includes viable strategies for countering attacks against Critical Race Theory and antiracist teaching.”

—Teachers College Record

“(A) relevant and timely text for education leaders today. . . . masterfully written.”

—NASSP Principal Leadership

“Because of the well-orchestrated and organized attacks that are being made on teaching about race and ethnic groups masquerading as attacks on critical race theory in the schools, this somber, empirically grounded, edifying, and exquisitely written book deserves a wide and influential audience.”
—From the Foreword by James A. Banks, editor of the Multicultural Education Series

“There are no better scholars than Francesca López and Christine Sleeter to pull down the curtains on the so-called ‘anti-Critical Race Theory’ movement today. After unmasking the many ways that it works as a convenient tool of white supremacy, they document the benefits that antiracist education actually provides when taught not as a one-off opportunity, but rather as a substantive, regular feature of U.S. schooling. This galvanizing, persuasive, and illuminating text is essential reading for everyone concerned about the politics of deception, distraction, and division that this retrograde movement represents.”
—Angela Valenzuela, professor, University of Texas at Austin and author, Growing Critically Conscious Teachers: A Social Justice Curriculum for Educators of Latino/a Youth

“The authors of Critical Race Theory and Its Critics provide a compelling treatise on the evolving criticism of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and the analysis of the underlying pseudo-fabrications of these criticisms. This is the most comprehensive research book on criticism of CRT. All scholars interested in CRT must read this book.”
—H. Prentice Baptiste, Regents Professor, New Mexico State University

“As the chilling effect of gag orders only intensifies and spreads nationwide, there can be no resource more timely and indispensable than Lopez and Sleeter's brilliant and compelling Critical Race Theory and Its Critics. With this thoroughly researched book, we connect the dots about how curriculum is being censored and why, and gain practical strategies for reframing the debate and shifting the direction of reforms toward democracy in public education. Let's all read, discuss, and act.”
—Kevin Kumashiro, author, Surrendered: Why Progressives are Losing the Biggest Battles in Education

“Critical Race Theory and Its Critics is the book we need right now. It cuts through conservative misinformation about CRT and helps us understand it for what it really is: a tool for challenging white supremacy in our schools and society. All educators and parents should read this book.”
—Wayne Au, professor, University of Washington Bothell and editor, Rethinking Schools