Intersectionality Matters! United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of CRT, Ep. 1 - The Students Who Protested
Jan 29, 2025
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.
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Harvard Law 1983 Protest
- In 1983, Harvard Law students occupied the dean's office demanding faculty desegregation and fair treatment.
- The protest grew to 500 people, surprising even participants and gaining mainstream media attention.
Blind Grading's Importance
- Blind grading was vital for fairness because Harvard Law School's faculty was all white males in 1982.
- Students felt removing it targeted race and was a response to demands for faculty integration.
Misjudged Protest Leadership
- During a sit-in protest, Dean Vorenberg assumed a white man led it, highlighting racial biases.
- Bobby Shapiro acknowledged Kimberly Crenshaw as the actual organizer, illustrating faculty misperceptions.