UW-Madison Education Policy Expert Discusses "Critical Race Theory"

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 -- 9:09 AM

(WMTV) Critical race theory is a widely debated topic across the country, and there’s a mix of opinions about teaching the concept in the classroom.

The theory is an academic concept introduced by legal scholars in the 1970s. It’s an idea that there is no biological or scientific justification for racial categories, concluding race is a socially-constructed invention.

Some people feel teaching the theory promotes division, while others said it tells the truth about America’s history. A UW-Madison education policy expert said the concept is widely misunderstood.

“Those who oppose using critical race theory really don’t understand how it’s possible that the current generations can be blamed for something that happened so long ago,” John Witte, UW-Madison Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Public Affairs said.

Critical race theory is creating a strong divide in and outside the classroom. Witte said either way teaching America’s history shouldn’t be put on the back burner, but ditching the term “critical race theory” should be considered.

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