Should critical race theory be taught in K-12 education?

No, this is a valuable topic but it is taught at a post-graduate level topic, none of its advocates are seriously suggesting it because brought into schools.

Yes it should be taught, but it should not be taught as fact; it is a “theory” after all and we should be taught to either support or critique it through a balanced lens, casting a “critical” eye!

No, history should be there only to learn from and move forward from, not constantly be used as an excuse as to why people are where they are in the here and now.

Critical race theory is an academic concept of legal frameworks well beyond what would be taught in school, this question is irrelevant. But it could be beneficial for children to understand some of its very basic concepts.

Not till secondary school. Add Intersectionality and the 1619 Project into this curriculum too however these are just theories and children are not inherently racist and can achieve anything they want with the drive & vision.

This is tough- when considering a new cirriculum i believe you have to be careful with what material is shown to influential kids. Everyone should be educated of thier history and hhistory or our laws, institutions ect but must be delivered as accurate information and perhaps not until later in school.

Critical Race Theory is a university level course, nobody is teaching it in Primary or Secondary Schools.

No, we should be taught about the wider human race, how to eliminate all types of racism whilst learning about how historical racism.and discrimination has.shaped where we are now so we can learn from previous generations mistakes

Yes but they should be given full and accurate context of our history, and the legacy of oppression, colonialism and racism which has impacted our society today

No, because critical race theory is an A-level or degree level topic. However issues of race and the history of racial discrimination should be taught.

No, but because it is a graduate-level legal theory, not because teaching about systemic and institutional racism is wrong

There shouldn't be a specialised subject regarding CRT, it should be taught as history and not glossed over in regards to racial tensions, slavery, etc.

No, but kids should be raised to acknowledge the racist elements of our history that are often ignored

No, as Critical Race Theory presently lacks the necessary nuance to be a useful lesson for children.

This is a very US based question for a UK election - although bias based on race is important here priviledge and prejudice based on class has more effect

We should teach a balanced view including many different theories and allow children to form their own opinions

This question feels quite American and not particularly in keeping with the conversation around race in the UK

better overall awareness of racism should be taught, however, the issue with racism isn't to do with children but ignorant adults

There is no easy answer, but I think the discussions should be held once the kids are in secondary school

Its a Graduate level theory. Its not, nor has it ever been taught in primary or secondary school. Teaching children about racism is not Critical Race Theory. This question is deliberately misleading.

I’m secondary school but not in primary school. Primary school kids should be colour blind and teaching them about racism might make them racist especially if they don’t properly understand.

This is irrelevant because children are not and have never been taught this academic theory in the UK. It is a total fallacy designed to stir up culture wars.

This is irrelevant as it relates to uk school children. The British history of systematic racism is not the same as the Americans and thus needs to addressed differently. For example there needs to be more emphasis on British empire history of racism and imperialism. Additionally racism and discrimination in contemporary British society should also be discussed in a sensitive manner that also students to talk about it with any judgement or blame. It should be taught at a secondary school level.

I believe it is extremely important to learn about racism and systematic racism, because the only way we’re going to get over being racist is to talk about it. However, if it was to be taught it needs to be taught in a very careful and specific way that doesn’t cause conflict between pupils and should only be taught once they are old enough to process and think rationally about it because I can see situations happening where this causes more racism in school or people of colour avoiding or resent white people, which is the opposite effect of what we would want.

We should simply be treating everyone the same and rebuilding the system from the ground up with students understanding and having knowledge of the theory.

Yes, in secondary school. Primary school kids should be educated on racism, and colonialism as part of history lessons

Whilst valid, critical race theory is far from the whole story. Powerful groups of humans have exploited weak groups of humans throughout history, and race is just one of many socioeconomic subdivisions. I feel that concentrating on race disproportionally risks hiding larger issues of the burgeoning mass inequality in society generally.

Let parents choose which school they wish to send their kids to.

Yes, but teach all theories and that CRT is not accepted as fact. Nothing should really be banned.

This literally doesn't mean anything

Critical Race Theory is not appropriate in Primary Schools but, if taught sensitively, can be a useful lens through which to review social, cultural, and historical evidences of racism, misogyny, and other prejudices.

We should be taught about racism, it’s history, causes and impacts but this should be with a view of ending racism

This is a kinda Americacentric question and also baiting, this is not an either/or question. A revisionist history should be taught to all, and all nuances therein (an account can never be fully objective nor exhaustive).

Implement history in history classes in secondary schools.

No because it’s very subjective. But curriculum should include eg, slavery which impacts on modern society. In this way children should be encouraged to apply critical thinking for themselves

This is not taught in primary and secondary schools.

Yes, but only as part of GCSE, A Level or equivocal History or Politics subjects.

I don’t think it’s beneficial to encourage thought about racism but I think it is good to acknowledge history to learn from it

Yes but it should not be mandatory.

It’s important to understand the past and the impact it has had on people and it’s important we learn form the past in order to change the now and the future. People are people - white, black, yellow, orange - the only difference should be if they’re good/nice people or not nice.

it should be taught to year 10 & 11

No, but historical facts which demonstrate racism and it's effects should certainly be taught.

Children in primary and secondary school are generally not capable enough to understand critical race theory, which is why it is not taught until college.

CRT is mostly a university-level topic. Many of the answers here reflect a US perspective. But primary and secondary children should be taught honestly about racism and its effects, and the state's complicity in it.

they should be taught the history and modern problems of racism and teach them not to be racist

I think we should teach British history and black history more broadly. Where this teaching intersects with aspects of CRT then that’s fine, but I wouldn’t teach it as a discrete topic without giving other alternate theories to the origin and proliferation of race and it’s complexities.

It's a controversial issue, Cody! Some believe that teaching critical race theory in primary and secondary schools can help students understand historical and current issues related to race and racism. On the other hand, some argue that it may be too complex or divisive for younger students.