critical race theory

American  

[krit-i-kuhl reys thee-uh-ree, theer-ee] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈreɪs ˌθi ə ri, ˌθɪər i /

Sometimes Critical Race Theory

noun

1. a conceptual framework that considers the impact of historical laws and social structures on the present-day perpetuation of racial inequality: first used in legal analyses, and now applied in education, communication studies, and sociology. CRT

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Etymology

Origin of critical race theory

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The field of critical race theory, known widely as CRT, examines the extent to which racial inequality and racism are systemically embedded in American institutions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

Cheryl Harris, a legal scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a leading thinker in the field of critical race theory, has helped organize the May 3 protest.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2023

Razack also specializes in critical race theory, a framework for analyzing systemic racism.

From Washington Post • Apr. 3, 2023

Kimberlé W. Crenshaw, a law professor at Columbia, who is credited for writing foundational works in critical race theory, has been removed from the course material, as has legendary Black feminist writer bell hooks.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2023

For decades, critical race theory was something discussed almost exclusively by scholars and academics.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2022