Publisher’s Points to Ponder: Is it right to censor or ban CRT?

I recently read an article written about critical race theory (CRT) that stated that CRT is cancer, not a cure. CRT is an academic discipline that comprises civil-rights scholars and activists who examine how the law influences systemic racism in the U.S. Most people would agree that one of the reasons why professors, instructors, researchers, and scholars influence social change is that knowledge is power. If this is true, why are Texas legislators seeking to eliminate the discussion of CRT in public schools?

Currently, there are legislative bills that would ban the teaching of critical race theory. Although Governor Abbott is seeking to expand Texas’ civic education curriculum, lawmakers seek to prohibit the discussion of current events, public policy and critical race theory in public schools; This means that history related to disadvantaged minorities in the U.S. will be censored or banned. Censorship has no place in academia. Prohibiting discussion about racism and social injustice does not erase systemic racism in the U.S.

As a double minority, I have experienced systemic racism firsthand. I consider myself as an exception to the rule because the existence of these “systems and structures” that were designed to hold me back only pushed me forward. I worked harder than anyone else, always going the distance. I was never afraid to cross the boundaries and ask those difficult questions to level the playing field. I embraced coloring outside the lines of discrimination because it improved my cultural IQ. I could never afford to stay within the status quo because I knew I could lose everything and go nowhere. Some people say systemic racism is an exaggerated issue, but do they truly understand what it is?

I agree with the educators fighting to keep the discussions about critical race theory flowing in the classroom. Let’s talk about it. It is not my place to tell any parent how to raise their children. I am, however, suggesting allowing your children to explore current events and ask questions that could likely cause a shift in how they see the world. It does not matter what topics they are exposed to in the classroom because at the end of the day, as the parent, you control the narrative of your child’s perception of the world, at least until they leave your nest.

Conversing about racial issues can be the panacea for systemic racism. We will never know this to be true if we do not talk about it.