They’re at it again. In another self-serving attempt to mobilize their base through fear mongering and outrage-baiting, the Right’s latest organizing efforts center on critical race theory. Critical race theory itself is an established academic framework that looks at the intersection of racial inequalities and current law. However, what the Right is calling “critical race theory” includes essentially ANY discussion of race in the classroom. 

What the Right is doing here is creating a feedback loop that:

1. Labels any local conversation they can find about how we talk about racism in schools as “critical race theory;” 
2. Then lies about what CRT means in order to foment & record panic and protest across TV and social media;
3. And finally uses the outrage–built on a pile of lies– to polarize voters and ensure Republican wins in the next election. This is all being coordinated and funded behind the scenes by Republican donors and activists. 

Truth Brigaders, our strategy here is to go directly to the motives behind the disingenuous mobilization.

HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW:

• The Right is fully activated around critical race theory both online and offline. They are making false claims on social media and cable TV to trigger outrage and racial resentment. Online conversation about CRT continues to spike, and Fox News has doubled its mentions of critical race theory every month since February.
• The Right is using CRT to redefine racism and co-opt language about protecting our children in ways that are especially insidious and confusing. Some of the lies Republicans and right-wingers tell about CRT include that it teaches students that “one race is superior to another” or that “certain children are inherently bad people because of the color of their skin.” They define any acknowledgement of race as racist, effectively shutting down needed conversations about ongoing racial disparities in our society.
• Republicans are mobilizing their base on this issue offline as well. Republican lawmakers in nearly half the states have passed or introduced anti-CRT bills and a new PAC is spending money on school board races based on anti-CRT platforms. Rather than committing to making racial justice progress, the Right would rather stoke outrage around a mostly hypothetical issue. 

HERE’S THE PLAN:

Our goal with this ongoing campaign is to reach those who might be vulnerable to the racial resentment and conservative framing the Right is pushing. Instead of falling for the “rage machine,” we want them to see that this outrage is intentionally manufactured and coordinated.

• Craft a message using the “Truth Sandwich” frame

Research suggests humans tend to remember what they hear first, last and most often, so we recommend creating your message to counter disinformation in the form of a “Truth Sandwich. ” Start and end your message with the truth, opening with shared values. Encourage critical thinking by focusing on the disinformers’ motives and strategy instead of arguing about specific claims. 

Here’s an easy formula to follow, on and offline:

1. Lay truthful common ground. 
2. Question the motives of the messenger to dislodge the disinformation.
3. Reaffirm the truth in a way that gets you to a more proactive message.

• Personalize and share your message online

• Remember: Tailor the message so it’s authentic to you, including updating the first sentence so it reflects your own experience! For example, you can personalize the first line by saying “I want all kids to get a great education” or “I want my kids to get a great education” 
• This is written to be short enough for Twitter, but please share on the platform where you spend the most time. 
• Reminder: We also encourage you all to share these messages offline as well (see disinformation best practices).
• Note: Because we’re incorporating #CriticalRaceTheory into the message, you may get negative replies. Do not engage with or reply to the naysayers, but you can continue to reply to your own message with links to articles you trust and objective comments. All those negative replies amplify your post!

DOS AND DON’TS FOR TALKING ABOUT CRT

Truth Brigade members who want to help counteract these harmful lies in their own social media feeds should consider the following:

• As always, do not engage with or argue with any social media account promoting attacks or misinformation about critical race theory. 
• Do engage with and share posts from accounts who are speaking thoughtfully on this issue – especially leaders of color.  
• Do find common ground with your audience. Some people may be uncomfortable talking about racism as a concept, and may be more inclined to talk about the harm that comes from our leaders deepening racial division. Stay rooted in shared goals.
• Do not make this a conversation only about school curriculum or the definition of critical race theory. Our opponents are using CRT as part of a larger strategy – that is what we want to expose and undermine.
• Do not cede the moral high ground. You can speak in your own words about why it is important for Americans to understand how our institutions, laws, and culture have deepened racial disparities. But do not get stuck in a narrow conversation about CRT – try to move the conversation to the big picture. 

Trustworthy articles to read and/or link to

Media Matters: Inside the right-wing echo chamber’s attempt to use Facebook to gin up outrage about critical race theory

Education Week: What Is Critical Race Theory, and Why Is It Under Attack?

AP News: EXPLAINER: So much buzz, but what is critical race theory?

Politifact: How GOP Senate resolution condemning CRT distorts the facts

NBC News: Critical race theory battle invades school boards — with help from conservative groups

NPR: School boards are asking for federal help as they face threats and violence

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