Employing Critical Organic Writing for the Truth About Speaking of Critical Race Theory in the Classroom: My Narrative

ABSTRACT

This document presents an in-depth exploration of the challenges and dynamics in discussing Critical Race Theory (CRT) in Texas high schools, particularly in the wake of House Bill 3979, often called the Critical Race Theory Bill. The author, a Mexican female educator, and a recent doctoral graduate, utilizes a unique narrative bridging academic research and practical teaching experiences. Through the lens of Critical Organic Writing (COW) and the theoretical framework of Nepantla, as conceptualized by Gloria Anzaldúa, the paper examines the impact of such legislation on educational discourse and practice. The study employs qualitative narrative inquiry, focusing on the author’s self-narratives and student responses to COW methodologies, to investigate the effectiveness and challenges of implementing COW as a pedagogical tool in politically sensitive environments. This work contributes to broader discussions on education policy, pedagogical innovation, and social justice, advocating for adaptable and inclusive teaching strategies that facilitate meaningful dialogues about discrimination and empower students to discover diverse truths.

KEYWORDS:

• Creative writing
• teachers
• social justice
• critical race theory
• critical pedagogy
• public education
• curriculum and instruction
• female teachers
• critical thinking
• critical organic writing
• Latinas in education
• education and policy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).