Ep. 106: On CRT with Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, 2006 MN Teacher of the Year

EQ: Is Critical Race Theory currently being taught in K12 schools, and if not, should CRT curriculum be adopted in k-12 education?

For part 2 of our conversation we are excited to be joined by our guest Dr. Lee-Ann Stephens, Minnesota Teacher of the Year 2006, has been an educator for 31 years with K-12 teaching and leadership experience. She currently serves as a teacher on special assignment with the St. Louis Park Schools in Minnesota, as the High Achievement Program Coordinator and the advisor for Students Organized for Anti- Racism. She is an affiliate with Pacific Educational Group: Courageous Conversations about Race, an Advisor for Integrated Schools, and she has been appointed by Governor Walz to the Education Commission of the States, a partner with education policy leaders to address issues by sharing resources and expertise. Follow Dr. Stephens on Twitter: @MNTOY2006

In this episode, Dr. Stephens defines critical race theory and delineates the five tenets of CRT:

1. Permanence of Racism--so embedded in society it seems natural & is often invisible

2. Counter Storytelling--sharing stories that are counter to the dominant narrative

3. Interest Convergence--Civil Rights victories occur when White People benefit. In other words when interests converge.

4. Critique of Liberalism--challenges the notion of neutrality, objectivity, colorblindness, & meritocracy

5. Whiteness of Property--According to legal CRT scholar Harris, property functions on 3 levels: the right of possession, the right to use and the right to allocate. Furthermore, the right to transfer, enjoy and exclude.

We then discuss whether or not CRT is currently being taught anywhere in the US in K-12 classrooms how some folks confuse critical race theory and culturally responsive/reflective teaching and whether or not it should be. 

Check out Dr. Stephens’ Writing & Podcasting:

• Forest of the Rain Interview 

• Lee-Ann Defines the Belief Gap

• Are We Too Focused on How Black Boys Act To Know Who They Really Are?

• The Myths of BIPOC Students in Advanced Courses

• If I Knew Then What I know Now

Champagne & Real Pain:

🥂Fight for Honesty in Education

👎🏻Shame on these people: Linda Ader, Erick Johnson, and David Weinberg who are running for Peninsula SD No. 401 on false narrative about CRT & comprehensive sex education

Do Your Fudging Homework:

• Hope: Go back and listen to our Part I episode & also check out Nerd Farmer’s conversation on this topic. 

  • Nerd Farm Podcast: On the Critical Race Theory Moral Panic

  • Crossing Division Podcast: Let’s Talk about CRT in Local School Board Campaigns

• Megan: Check out Dr. Stephens’ writing that is linked in the show notes.

• Dr. Stephens: No matter what they look like, have the conversations.