Critical Race Theory (CRT) is making headlines in the U.S. as a result of ongoing racism and violence toward People of Color. Most notably, the idea of K-12 public schools adopting CRT teachings within their curricula has created a lot of confusion and division within U.S. communities.

So what is CRT? Critical Race Theory is a theoretical framework used to examine social, cultural, historical, educational, and legal issues as they relate to race and racism. CRT and scholars who apply CRT argue “that racism is endemic to the U.S., and racism manifest itself through laws and policies, social practices, and discourse.”^{1, 2} The framework helps people uncover systemic racism inherent to systems of oppression.

Many NCFR members have an understanding of CRT from their work in academia. The current cultural debate over CRT is an opportunity for Family Scientists to share their knowledge and expertise with each other and the general public.

There are two immediate ways that NCFR members can help:

1. Submit Resources
   NCFR seeks scholarly resources such as articles, reports, infographics, videos, podcasts, and websites for a collection to help explain and provide education on CRT. They can be works previously published by you or other NCFR members, or resources you use in your work. Email resources to Trip Sullivan.

2. Contribute an Article for NCFR Report
   NCFR will publish one or more articles on CRT in the fall 2021 issue of NCFR Report, as a companion piece to the Family Focus theme on Dismantling Racism. Authors are invited to submit by themselves or collaborate with coauthors. They may draw upon previously published works of their own or others making sure to cite these sources (see our author guidelines for more details).

Possibilities for articles include:

• An overview and/or analysis of CRT – what it is and how to apply it in one’s research, teaching, policy work, or working with families.
• What we learn about families when using the CRT lens.
• Examples of how you have applied CRT in your research, teaching, policy work, or other work with families and the outcomes of that application.  

Articles should be written in an easy-to-read format and grounded in peer-reviewed, published research and/or theory.

To be considered for the fall issue of NCFR Report, please email your short proposal (150 words max) to Trip Sullivan by Friday, July 2, 2021. Author nominations are also welcomed.

Final articles of 700-1400 words must be submitted no later than Monday, July 12, 2021.

Articles and resources will be made publicly available to share with your networks.

References

¹ Williams, D. T., & Perry, A. R. (2019). More than just incarceration: Law enforcement contact and Black fathers’ familial relationships. Issues in Race & Society: The Complete 2019 Edition, 8(1), 85-118. https://ucincinnatipress.manifoldapp.org/system/actioncallout/1c94db82-0fd5-4eb8-b8e1-8edc494ce22d/attachment/original-4520e76d4bb77e5bf041670673ac1588.pdf#page=86

² Wood, G. L. (2019). Racialized categorical inequality: Elaborating educational theory to explain African American disparities in public schools Issues in Race & Society: The Complete 2019 Edition, 8(1), 177-196. https://ucincinnatipress.manifoldapp.org/system/actioncallout/1c94db82-0fd5-4eb8-b8e1-8edc494ce22d/attachment/original-4520e76d4bb77e5bf041670673ac1588.pdf#page=178