This summer, critical race theory has erupted as a major issue in Pennsylvania school districts, especially among concerned suburban parents. At first glance, the theory, with intellectual roots dating to the 1970s in the U.S. and Europe, seems purely academic in nature. In reality, CRT has neo-Marxist underpinnings that have since entered American institutions, most notably universities, and even influenced public policy.
Since last year, CRT has received widespread criticism for its divisive, identity-driven ideas, while CRT proponents have defended its social-justice concepts. The intense debate is evident in the Keystone State’s suburban schools.
Consider the case of Greater Philadelphia’s Chester County, a suburban bellwether in recent election cycles. Last month, writing in a local newspaper, the county’s Democratic committee chairwoman lamented “laws restricting teachers’ ability to educate their students honestly and openly” about what she viewed as “legitimate, fact-based United States history.” Shortly thereafter, in the county borough of West Chester, an Iranian-born mother was silenced by the local school board when voicing her concerns about CRT. Noting how her native country was “ravaged by communism,” the mother expressed her opposition to CRT.
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