Author: Michael Matteo

People hold up signs during a rally against "critical race theory" (CRT) being taught in schools at the Loudoun County Government center in Leesburg, Virginia on June 12, 2021. - "Are you ready to take back our schools?" Republican activist Patti Menders shouted at a rally opposing anti-racism teaching that critics like her say trains white children to see themselves as "oppressors." "Yes!", answered in unison the hundreds of demonstrators gathered this weekend near Washington to fight against "critical race theory," the latest battleground of America's ongoing culture wars. The term "critical race theory" defines a strand of thought that appeared in American law schools in the late 1970s and which looks at racism as a system, enabled by laws and institutions, rather than at the level of individual prejudices. But critics use it as a catch-all phrase that attacks teachers' efforts to confront dark episodes in American history, including slavery and segregation, as well as to tackle racist stereotypes. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Yorba Linda, CA, Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - The Placentia Yorba Linda School Board discusses a proposed resolution to ban teaching critical race theory in schools. Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

CHANTILLY, VA - NOVEMBER 2: Virginia Lt Gov-Elect Winsome Sears greets supporters on November 2, 2021 in Chantilly, Virginia. Virginias political identity was up for grabs in the Nov. 2 election, with races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general as well as all 100 House of Delegates seats on the ballot. (Photo by Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

On a day of nationwide demonstrations against NSA spying all over Germany, around 1000 activists protest in Frankfurt, Germany. Protesters also show their solidarity with whistle-blower Edward Snowden and demand protection and asylum, on July 27, 2013. Photo: David von Blohn/NurPhoto (Photo by NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty Images)