critical race theory
noun
: a group of concepts (such as the idea that race (see race entry 1 sense 1a) is a sociological rather than biological designation, and that racism (see racism sense 2a) pervades society and is fostered and perpetuated by the legal system) used for examining the relationship between race and the laws and legal institutions of a country and especially the United States
Critical race theory essentially forces legal scholars to ask questions, she [Kimberlé Crenshaw] continued. For instance, why does possession of less expensive drugs carry higher jail sentences than more expensive drugs? Could this have anything to do with the fact that more people of color are in prison? "It is a way of looking at law's role … facilitating, producing, and even insulating racial inequality in our country, ranging from health to wealth to segregation to policing," said Crenshaw …—
Columbia News
Columbia NewsCritical race theory is a field of intellectual inquiry that demonstrates the legal codification of racism in America. Through the study of law and U.S. history, it attempts to reveal how racial oppression shaped the legal fabric of the U.S. Critical race theory is traditionally less concerned with how racism manifests itself in interactions with individuals and more concerned with how racism has been, and is, codified into the law.—David Miguel Gray
David Miguel Gray
also
: a movement advocating the examination of this relationship
Ultimately, the liberal defense of critical race theory ignores an aspect of the movement that many of its founders considered fundamental: the "desire not merely to understand the vexed bond between law and racial power but to change it," as the editors of "Critical Race Theory" [Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement] wrote. … Critical race theory is not merely about making a better historical document but about movement toward the way things could be. —Lauren Michele Jackson
—abbreviation CRT
Lauren Michele Jackson
critical race theorist
noun
plural critical race theorists
Many CRT scholars had witnessed how the law could be used to help secure and protect civil rights. Therefore, critical race theorists recognized that, while the law could be used to deepen racial inequality, it also held potential as a tool for emancipation and for securing racial equality.
—Janel George
Janel George
Examples of critical race theory in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Youngkin made that moment and critical race theory, or the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion, focal points in the final sprint of his campaign.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
The legislation appears aimed at banning the teaching of critical race theory, a view about systemic oppression which conservatives say can encourage anti-American and anti-white prejudice.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
The Legislature in 2021 passed a resolution opposing the teaching of critical race theory — a subset of critical theory — in public schools.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 Apr. 2025
Florida's New College was also among the academic institutions affected by DeSantis signing a bill that aimed to eliminate funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from public universities and prohibit the teaching of critical race theory in general education courses.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
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Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
The legislation appears aimed at banning the teaching of critical race theory, a view about systemic oppression which conservatives say can encourage anti-American and anti-white prejudice.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
The Legislature in 2021 passed a resolution opposing the teaching of critical race theory — a subset of critical theory — in public schools.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 11 Apr. 2025
Florida's New College was also among the academic institutions affected by DeSantis signing a bill that aimed to eliminate funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs from public universities and prohibit the teaching of critical race theory in general education courses.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for critical race theory
Cite this Entry
“Critical race theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/critical%20race%20theory. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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