"What we're asking for is protection for the teachers so that they don't have to fear that any time they bring up any subject related to race or related to culturally-relevant teaching that they will be called on the carpet by a parent,” said Nancy Velardi, president of the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association. Critical race theory is an academic approach to studying the systemic impact of racism, how it has influenced laws and public policy, and the impact it has on society today. It is not currently taught in Florida primary or secondary classrooms, but recent bans on the study across the country and here in Florida have drawn attention to the topic.