ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the term “social justice” is rarely defined in the field of education. In critical race theory, a focus on race and racism is essential to achieving social justice and therefore must be protected by word and in deeds. Critical race theory (CRT) was created to “expose and dismantle this social and legal status quo from an explicitly race-conscious and critical ‘outsider’ perspective”. Critical race theorists believe a task of CRT is to remind people of the deep and complex current nature of racial ideology and power. Critical race theory provides scholars with the tools to critique and question the ways in which people of color are represented, the resources that schools receive, and the public mandates structuring their lives. The commitment to racial justice in critical race theory is rooted in critical studies, ethnic studies, and women’s studies. Black scholars had no choice but to use their work as the primary means to combat racism in society.
