Critical Race Theory and Interest Convergence in the Backlash against Affirmative Action: Washington State and Initiative 200

The backlash against affirmative action is gaining political momentum as liberalism's defenses are overwhelmed. This article utilizes critical race theory (CRT) to present a counter-argument to both conservative calls for color blindness and the incrementalism of traditional liberalism. Using Washington State's Initiative 200 as a case study, it argues that CRT not only can inform the debate over affirmative action, but has the potential to reinvigorate multiculturalism's social activist roots.