Teachers across America are brainwashing our youth with “critical race theory” so that they all become woke gay communists! Or so it would seem if you consume right-wing media lately.

“Critical Race Theory” has become a pejorative in today’s American conservative movement -- including here in Virginia. In several Virginia counties, school systems have been trying to educate children about the history of systemic racism in the United States, and “Critical Race Theory” has been leveled as an accusation against these efforts.

So what is “critical race theory”? And how has it come to be the newest right-wing bogeyman?

In this episode, we talk with Ian Mullins, professor of sociology at UVA, Peter Galuszka, Richmond-based journalist, and Amanda Moxham, member of the Hate-Free Schools Coalition of Albemarle County.