Critical Race Theory: Facts, Misconceptions and Opportunities for Engagement

A topic of study for decades, critical race theory recently has become a topic of public conversation, appearing in political debates and discussions about what should be taught in schools. But what is critical race theory? This two-week forum led by Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Antonio Spikes will define critical race theory and examine public debates involving it. In the first session, we will introduce the current socio-political context surrounding critical race theory and define the tenets of the theory, including intersectionality, race as a social construct and the historical foundations of white supremacy. The second session will delve more deeply into historical elements of the theory, including the ways racism impacted the creation and enforcement of laws in American history and the social and political progress people of color made during the Civil Rights era as well as lost in its wake. We will examine misconceptions about critical race theory and why this long-established but little-known scholarly theory recently garnered popular attention. We will conclude by highlighting how this theoretical framework can provide important perspectives on questions involving race and racism in American society and be utilized to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Thursday Forum is held in Kesler Auditorium on the first floor of Hickok Hall. Each weekly session begins with registration and refreshments from 8:45-9:15 AM, followed by the lecture until 11:30 AM. The presentations blend lecture, media such as film and music, and discussion.

Admission to each four-week forum series is $40. Admission to individual lectures and each session of two- and three-week forums is $12 per week. Admission includes the lecture and morning refreshments of coffee, tea and pastries. Payment can be made in person on Thursday mornings by cash or personal check. Credit card payments can be processed by registering online in advance at www.coe.edu/thursday-forum.