Hi L.E. Let me address your questions.

When is it appropriate to teach CRT?

Q. Would it be fair to say that critical race theory is inappropriate for being incorporated in K-8 curricula?

Q. And perhaps not for high school?

Q. Perhaps it is better suited for students at the college level, or in certain undergrad a majors only?

My Answer.

CRT is not a single theory but a bunch of insights that link American race relations to our historical past, which involves our legal system. Your questions assume it is a doctrine. Like a religion. It is not. There is no single text outlining a dogma. So, teaching any dogma in a public school does not promote an open mind to differing ideas.

Understanding how the concept of “race” as an identifier of people is useful for public schools. Italians, Jews, Asians, Mexicans, and others have all been described at one time or another as a “race”. But that approach is subject to various interpretations and consequently can easily be used to push a particular political agenda.

I think a suggested national outline produced by a non-partisan ad-hoc committee of educators might produce a simple timeline that would be grounded in historical documents on how race relations have developed in America. Would that be CRT? I would say no, because it is not drawing any conclusions. But others might argue so, because it discusses race as a dynamic concept that has changed over time.

I do not have the time to provide you a deeper discussion, which you deserve to receive. But I am not that person. I encourage you to seek out a proponent and a critic of CRT to help you explore and shape your own insights. Take care,Nick