All of a sudden, Critical Race Theory (CRT) is making headlines and turning school board meetings and tenure discussions into battlefields. A concept previously relegated to debate amongst public policy academics and legal scholars has become daily vernacular. With new legislation being introduced at the state and federal levels, it’s important to understand what Critical Race Theory is (and is not), the questions the legislation raises over teaching race and racism in schools, and how these laws will hinder our social environment.

Our panelists work with Critical Race Theory in a variety of disciplines––from visual and cultural arts to education and public policy. Join us to hear how their professional work intersects with CRT, learn how the teaching of Critical Race Theory can help dismantle systems of oppression, and discuss how we as a Rochester community, and beyond, can move forward from here.

Featuring:

Tokeya C. Graham '06W (MA) | Moderator Assistant Professor of English, Monroe Community College

Dr. Joanne Larson, Michael W. Scandling Professor of Education & Associate Director of Research
Center for Urban Education Success, the University of Rochester's Warner School of Education

Dr. Jeffrey McCune Jr., Frederick Douglass Associate Professor of African-American Literature and Culture & Director, Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies at the University of Rochester

Anthony Plonczynski-Figueroa '06, '08W (MS) Regional Political Organizer (Rochester area), New York State United Teachers

Alisa Victoria Prince '20 (MA)Visual and Cultural Studies Ph.D. Candidate, University of Roches

Presented by the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement in partnership with the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Diversity Advisory Council, and the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies

This event is part of the University of Rochester monthly lecture and discussion series, REAL–Rochester's Equity & Access Leadership–Conversations. These virtual programs focus on authentic discussions featuring brave and candid dialogues around equity, measurable action, and meaningful change. To view recordings of past events, explore the archive here.