On July 1, 2021, Iowa House File 802 became law. Though the Act does not specifically mention “Critical Race Theory,” CRT was cited in discussions of the Act, and the Act restricts when and where the framework’s historical, social, and legal tools for understanding race-based inequities may be taught. But what is critical race theory, and how has it become the focus of acts and editorials? On Thursday, September 30, at 7:00 p.m. CST, a legal scholar, a sociologist, and a community advocate for the business community will attempt to answer these questions.

The following speakers will share concrete examples from higher education, business, and the local community as they consider how Critical Race Theory can illuminate the past and open pathways to a more equitable future.

Speakers:

Jennifer Banta, Vice President of Community Engagement and Advocacy, Iowa City Area Business Partnership
Victor Ray, F. Wendell Miller Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology
Adrien Wing, Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law Programs and Bessie Dutton Murray Professor, UI College of Law
Moderator: Teresa Mangum, Director, UI Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, and Professor of Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies and English

Co-hosted by the Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City Area Business Partnership, and the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies.