QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should Critical Race Theory be taught at the high school level?

Three state lawmakers addressed the Columbia Board of Education about Critical Race Theory at its meeting Monday night.

Rep. Chuck Basye said that he felt that Critical Race Theory, often referred to as CRT, was being taught in Columbia Public Schools. The lawmaker said that he has proof it is being taught.

Rep. David Tyson Smith also addressed the board, however, he said he does not believe CRT is being taught in the district.

In a Reuters article, Critical Race Theory is explained as an approach to studying U.S. policies and institutions that is most often taught in law schools. Its foundations date back to the 1970s, when law professors including Harvard Law School’s Derrick Bell began exploring how race and racism have shaped American law and society.

The theory rests on the premise that racial bias - intentional or not - is baked into U.S. laws and institutions.

So should Critical Race Theory be taught at the high school level?