Critical Race Theory

Racial disparities in retention and graduation rates are a top concern across institutions of higher education, yet scholars and practitioners rarely look to systemic racism in explaining these disparities. Critical race theory (CRT) is a framework used to examine power and oppression dynamics between racialized groups, providing insight on how racism serves to maintain and reinforce inequity in educational policies, practices, and access to resources and opportunities. Increasing awareness of systemic racial inequities creates opportunity for people in power to engage in socially conscious action and decision-making within higher education.

Recent activity:

•  “Dialogic Learning Communities at Public, Research Universities.” Lumina Foundation funded research study. PIs: Cynthia Demetriou, Ph.D., Terrell Morton, Ph.D. (The University of Missouri). Spring 2019.
•  “Understanding and Promoting Student Success through the Lens of Critical Race Theory.” Diversity & Inclusion: Diversity in the Classroom series. Panelists: Nolan Cabrera, Ph.D., Victoria Navarro Benavides, M.A., M.S. Moderated by Cynthia Demetriou, Ph.D. Fall 2018.