Conservative Equalities Minister Condemns Critical Race Theory

In an October 20 parliamentary debate about ‘Black History Month’, Conservative equalities minister Kemi Badenoch pointed to critical race theory as being a “dangerous trend in race relations”:

“[It is] an ideology that sees my blackness as victimhood and their whiteness as oppression.” 

The minister’s remarks came amid the rollout of new guidance for schools on using external teaching agencies. These guidelines include provisions against the promotion of partisan political views in teaching. Schools are also required to “take reasonable practical steps to secure that where political issues are brought to the attention of pupils, they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.”

Critical race theory has been in the spotlight in recent months, as critics point to its racially divisive basis as well as racist overtones. The theory is grounded in the assertion that “the law and legal institutions are inherently racist and that race itself, instead of being biologically grounded and natural, is a socially constructed concept that is used by white people to further their economic and political interests at the expense of people of colour.” Such a basis leads the proponents of this theory, as the minister pointed out, to view one racial group of people as inherent oppressors, and others as inherent victims. This essentially racist viewpoint denies people of color their human agency and dignity by placing them into an inferior box from which they cannot escape. By implication, it also denies the ethnic and cultural richness, uniqueness, and diversity of people of color, claiming these identities only to be artificial inventions.

It is these divisive views on race and race relations which the minister, on behalf of the government, is speaking up against. In addition to the policies above, the new guidelines for teaching also require schools never to use materials from agencies which promote or have promoted extremist political positions. In the context of critical race theory, such positions notably include:

“promoting divisive or victim narratives that are harmful to British society”

“a publicly stated desire to abolish or overthrow democracy, capitalism, or to end free and fair elections”

“the use or endorsement of racist, including antisemitic, language or communications”

“a failure to condemn illegal activities done in their name or in support of their cause, particularly violent actions against people or property”

Despite Badenoch’s categorical statements that “this government stands unequivocally against critical race theory”, its promotion across many government ministries and agencies is still widespread. 

Books and other resources which advocate this doctrine are used to normalize critical race theory by being included in mandatory sensitivity trainings as well as recommended reading lists. Contentious and controversial teachings are thus presented as undisputed facts which the reader could only possibly find objectionable because he or she had never been properly educated in it. If the minister and the government are serious about weeding out influences which stoke racial hatred and divisiveness, they will certainly need to look deeper and do more than parliamentary speeches.