Critical race theory is a tool to help us understand our society. It acknowledges that the legacy of slavery, segregation and the imposition of second-class citizenship on Black Americans and other people of color continue to permeate the social fabric of this nation. Critical race theory is essential, and I am proud that my children have the opportunity to attend a school district where this sort of ongoing work is being practiced in our community. Critical race theory recognizes that racism is codified in law, embedded in structures and woven into public policy and that the systemic nature of racism is mainly responsible for reproducing racial inequality. It grew out of critical legal studies, which argued that the law was not objective or apolitical.