News analysis

Flap over critical race theory in US schools points to worsening tension

Critical race theory is an academic concept that maintains racism is ingrained in American history and remains so to this day. PHOTO: NYTIMES
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WASHINGTON - Even in liberal New York City, parents of children at some of its top schools are upset about critical race theory curriculum.

On April 16, a letter from an angry parent of a student at Manhattan's elite all-girls The Brearley School landed in the mailboxes of hundreds of other parents. The writer, a 45-year-old investment banker turned software developer, announced that he was withdrawing his daughter from the school in response to its "divisive" anti-racist reforms.

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