I think it's important to mark a distinction between critical theory, the philosophical tool for analysis, and how critical theory can be taught (the unfortunat

I think it's important to mark a distinction between critical theory, the philosophical tool for analysis, and how critical theory can be taught (the unfortunate incidents you cite where white students are shamed or mistreated). In high school, I had the privilege to take several college courses at a local school relating to sociology, critical theory and analysis, philosophy (which included a section on CT), genocide studies, and other challenging subjects that these lawmakers might discard as 'leftist, Marxist' hooplah. I was actually fairly conservative and religious at the time, and the context of these classes (with many of my classmates being conservative Cuban immigrants) is that so were my classmates. In an inclusive environment, where white students aren't bullied, courses like these can allow students to self-reflect, be observant, and open to difficult discussions with peers. Not only did it help me tremendously when transitioning to college, but it gave me the tools to navigate and analyze dense academic subjects. I went into tech, but many of my high school classmates who were able to participate in this program have become lawyers, educators, or are in graduate schools pursuing passions they found in courses like these. I'm less scared of the often cited 'weaponization' of 'microaggressions' or 'PC culture' than I am of talented students being barred from advanced, challenging coursework because it's deemed 'too liberal' to be educated.