CRT or not

One of the difficulties in discussing CRT in schools is defining what CRT is. In the schools in this area there is no discussion in science and math classes but in social studies the subject comes up. Here is an example that can help to explain what CRT is all about. The topic is treatment of native Americans by the colonist. Here could be a typical lesson. The natives were tortured, murdered, moved off their land to reservations forced to speak English and convert to Christianity not to mention the White mans diseases like smallpox. It has been estimated that in 1450 there were 4 million native Americans across the continent but by 1800 that number dropped to 600,000. That meant an astonishing 85% of native American were killed in various ways by the colonist. If the lesson ends at this point in the class that is CRT. If on the other hand the lesson continues it becomes teaching history. In the last 150 years things have changed. Natives have been assimilated into general society which means attending school, getting immunizations being eligible for government benefits like health care and public assistance. Their life expectancy has increased from age 40 in 1800 to 74 today. Childhood deaths have decreased dramatically and 25% of natives are enrolled in college. Today there are 5 million native Americans and they earn an average of $40,000 per year. Last years federal budget set aside $4.5 billion for Tribal programs. One recent boon to the reservations is the introduction of casinos where profits provide funding for housing, jobs and educational aid. If the lesson ends at this point that is teaching history. Many times White students leave the class feeling guilty if the whole story is not told.