Critical Race Theory (CRT) has recently emerged as a politicized talking point within US media, while numerous state legislators seek to curtail the teaching and influence of CRT in public educational institutions through restrictive bills. CRT developed in the 1970s as a loose analytical framework by Black legal scholars to address the persistence of racism in overt and subtle form despite various Civil Rights and anti-discrimination laws. Although CRT is predominately taught at the graduate and advanced undergraduate levels, critics of CRT claim that it is widely applied in the educational system, and that it develops racist ideologies rather than challenging them. Proposed legislation thus seeks to curtail the influence of CRT (although not often directly named or even fully discussed in the legislation) through various laws to restrict instructional material, class discussions and professional development. This criticism against CRT comes as there is an increased demand for culturally responsive teaching, a wider availability of professional development and training in Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist instruction, and moves to include previously marginalized or hidden histories, such as the Tulsa Race Massacre, into curriculum. A virtual panel discussion will take place on Monday October 11, 2021 at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The panel will address this current debate by 1. Offering a clear and accurate description of CRT and its impact on teaching race in K-12 and postsecondary education, 2. Exploring the pre-filed bills (BR 60 and BR 69) that have been submitted to the KY legislature, and 3. Discussing the possible impact of these bills on public education. Panelists include David Pizzo (Professor of History, Murray State University), Jessica Evans (Director of Assessment and Accreditation of the College of Education & Human Services, Murray State University), Kevin Elliott (Assistant Professor of Political Science, Murray State University), and Noraa Ransey (K-12 educator and Senior Ethnic Minority Director for KEA). The panel will be moderated by Christine Lindner (Assistant Professor of History, Murray State University). The event is sponsored by the Department of History at Murray State University, the Sociology Program at Murray State University, and the West Kentucky chapter for the National Organization of Women. The panel will be a virtual webinar via zoom. To join, click https://murraystate.zoom.us/j/81121161322?pwd=bWZwZkNRK040aXdYRzkwbEVQcVFVdz09 Passcode: 702487 No prior registration is required. The panel discussion is free and all are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Christine Lindner clindner1@murraystate.edu