United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of CRT, Ep. 1 - The Students Who Protested
Jan 29, 2025
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This conversation dives into the origins of Critical Race Theory (CRT), tracing its roots to a pivotal protest at Harvard Law in 1983. It examines the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the backlash against CRT following high-profile events. Personal narratives reveal how systemic inequities persist within legal education. Activists reflect on building solidarity and the importance of diverse voices in shaping legal discourse. The discussion also critiques misconceptions surrounding CRT and highlights its role in the fight against oppression.
The student protests at Harvard Law School in 1983 highlighted the urgent need for desegregation and inclusivity in legal education.
The contemporary backlash against Critical Race Theory reflects a historical pattern of resistance against advancements in racial justice and equality.
Deep dives
The Liberation Calendar for Black History Month
The Liberation Calendar serves as a resource for Black individuals during Black History Month by offering a toolbox that includes daily practices, reflection opportunities, and calls to action. Each day presents a theme that encourages engagement with concepts such as restoring, grounding, and connecting to one’s culture and history. By participating in this daily practice, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with their identity and community. The initiative aims to empower participants to share their unique voices and take tangible action within their communities.
The Harvard Law School Protest of 1983
The protest at Harvard Law School on May 6, 1983, rallied over 500 students, driven by a push to desegregate the faculty and promote inclusivity within the institution. In response to the administration's dismissal of their demands for a more diverse faculty, students expressed their dissatisfaction through a sit-in, challenging the predominantly white faculty structure. Articles from that time showcased surprising solidarity between conservative and minority students, highlighting the urgency of their cause. This monumental event not only reflected the students' frustrations but also marked a significant moment for social movements at Harvard.
Critical Race Theory's Historical Roots
Critical race theory emerged as a response to systemic racism within legal education and has evolved into a primary framework for analyzing racial dynamics in America. The departure of prominent legal scholar Derrick Bell ignited students' calls for integration and better representation, ultimately fueling their efforts to innovate legal scholarship on race. This radical perspective challenged the notion that law is neutral, instead exposing how legal frameworks can uphold racial inequities. Over the decades, critical race theory has become a focal point for contemporary debates on diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
The Backlash Against Social Justice Movements
The rise of anti-critical race theory sentiment epitomizes the backlash against progressive social movements, particularly following events such as George Floyd's death in 2020. Conservative factions seized upon the fear surrounding critical race theory to frame it as a threat to American values, resulting in legislation aimed at suppressing discussions of systemic racism in education. This manufactured moral panic has not only targeted educational content but also marginalized voices within the realm of academia and policy-making. The alarming trend reveals a historical pattern where advancements in racial justice are met with harsh resistance, often obscuring the ongoing struggles for equality and justice.
In the first episode of this limited series, Critical Race Theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw takes listeners on a journey through the origin story of Critical Race Theory (CRT), from her days as a student demanding desegregation at Harvard, to the moment she learned President Trump banned CRT in his 2020 executive order. This episode delves into the hopes and inspiration that birthed the CRT legal movement, and how the current opposition to CRT is history repeating itself.