Gloria Ladson-Billings - Critical Race Theory

Gloria Ladson-Billings discusses the evolution of racial disparity explanations, from genetic to opportunity-based, and introduces critical race theory as a framework to understand systemic disparities. She shares a personal story to illustrate systemic discrimination and emphasizes the importance of critical race theory in graduate education. The video concludes with a call to confront race and racism as systemic issues.

Who is Gloria Ladson-Billings?

• A geneticist known for eugenics research

• A professor emerita and president of the National Academy of Education

• A novelist known for writing about racial issues

• A civil rights activist from the 1960s

What was the primary explanation for racial disparity in the US until the mid-20th century?

• Lack of education

• Genetic inferiority

• Economic inequality

• Cultural differences

What does critical race theory aim to explain?

• The systemic nature of racial disparities

• The division between different racial groups

• The cultural differences among races

• The superiority of one race over another

What was the impact of the rollback of opportunity-based solutions?

• Increased racial harmony

• Complete desegregation of schools

• Continued racial disparities

• Elimination of racial bias in legislation

What is the significance of the Brown decision mentioned in the transcript?

• It introduced critical race theory

• It was a step towards providing equal opportunities

• It marked the end of genetic explanations for disparity

• It upheld racial segregation

What prevented Gloria Ladson-Billings' father from buying a home in Levittown?

• High property taxes

• Lack of available homes

• A legal clause restricting sales to non-Caucasians

• Financial constraints

How does critical race theory relate to education according to Gloria Ladson-Billings?

• It should be taught in K-12 education

• It is primarily for graduate-level analysis

• It is irrelevant to educational studies

• It is a mandatory part of undergraduate curriculum

Which of the following is NOT a focus of critical race theory in education?

• Access to enriched curriculum

• School funding disparities

• Assignment to special education

• Cultural superiority

What is a common criticism of teaching critical race theory?

• It is too complex for students

• It lacks historical context

• It makes white children feel guilty

• It promotes racial superiority

What is the broader issue beyond critical race theory in the US?

• Economic inequality

• Inability to confront systemic racism

• Lack of educational resources

• Political polarization