Critical race theory: A white graduate student's struggle with this growing area of scholarship

This paper considers the potential for critical race theory (CRT) to enhance educational studies and to improve schooling opportunities for students of color. The author argues that CRT and qualitative educational research, jointly used, would provide a powerful critique of current ''colorblind'' educational policies which unfairly privilege whites. The author asserts that CRT could be beneficially used to inform whites about injusticesagainst students of color and to inspire new policies that would support the needs of diverse students. The author concludes that CRT could significantly aid efforts to make education more equitable.