A CRT Analysis of Policy Making in Nevada: A Case Study for Social Work Education

ABSTRACT

This study uses critical race theory (CRT) to uncover racialized interactions that influence legislative processes. The transcripts from public hearings from the 2017 Nevada State legislative session were included in the data analysis. Results demonstrate the utility of CRT as an analytic tool to examine the policy-making process, identify narratives that sustain and protect white supremacy imbedded in policies governing high school education, and uncover racist testimony throughout the policy-making process. More specifically, results demonstrate the ways that subtle racialized interactions drive conversations where White constituents protect white interests at the expense of racial equity. Conversely, findings highlight how People of Color issue a counternarrative by providing necessary historical context and perspectives to work toward racial justice goals.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ashley-Marie Daftary

Ashley-Marie Hanna Daftary is an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work. Debora Ortega, Professor, is the founding director of the University of Denver Latino Center for Community Engagement and Scholarship. Cynthia Sanders is an associate professor at the University of Utah College of Social Work. Mary Hylton is associate professor at Salisbury University School of Social Work.

Debora Ortega

Ashley-Marie Hanna Daftary is an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work. Debora Ortega, Professor, is the founding director of the University of Denver Latino Center for Community Engagement and Scholarship. Cynthia Sanders is an associate professor at the University of Utah College of Social Work. Mary Hylton is associate professor at Salisbury University School of Social Work.

Cynthia Sanders

Ashley-Marie Hanna Daftary is an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work. Debora Ortega, Professor, is the founding director of the University of Denver Latino Center for Community Engagement and Scholarship. Cynthia Sanders is an associate professor at the University of Utah College of Social Work. Mary Hylton is associate professor at Salisbury University School of Social Work.

Mary Hylton

Ashley-Marie Hanna Daftary is an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Social Work. Debora Ortega, Professor, is the founding director of the University of Denver Latino Center for Community Engagement and Scholarship. Cynthia Sanders is an associate professor at the University of Utah College of Social Work. Mary Hylton is associate professor at Salisbury University School of Social Work.