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CRT Forward Tracking Project: Final Reflections and Future Directions

The CRT Forward Tracking Project formally concludes its active data collection as of December 31, 2024. Established by UCLA School of Law’s Critical Race Studies Program, the initiative systematically identified, cataloged, and analyzed legislative and administrative measures aimed at restricting Critical Race Theory (CRT) in K-12 education, higher education, contracting, private business, and state and federal government operations. By providing a comprehensive repository of data, the Project has served as an essential resource for scholars, policymakers, and advocates seeking to understand and engage with the legal and policy dimensions of these developments.

Purpose and Mission

The CRT Forward Tracking Project was conceived in response to a significant increase in government actions targeting CRT and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. The primary objective of the Project was to develop a robust, evidence-based record of these measures, enabling critical analysis of their scope, implications, and potential legal consequences. By documenting 862 anti-CRT measures introduced by 247 local, state, and federal government entities across 49 states and the District of Columbia, the Project fulfilled a critical need for data that informs both scholarly inquiry and public policy.

Data Trends and Highlights

Since the launch of CRT Forward in April 2022, the data collected by the CRT Forward Tracking Project has revealed several key trends:

Targeting of K-12 Education: Measures aimed at K-12 institutions accounted for over 80% of those identified by the Project. These initiatives predominantly sought to curtail curriculum and training programs perceived as promoting CRT, often using threats of funding reductions or mandates for parental oversight as enforcement mechanisms.

Intensification in Higher Education: Legislative efforts increasingly focused on higher education, with 41% of measures in 2024 directed at colleges and universities. These initiatives often sought to dismantle DEI programs and impose new accreditation standards that align with ideological goals opposed to equity and inclusion.

Geographic and Temporal Patterns: The measures tracked spanned nearly the entire United States, underscoring the widespread nature of these legislative efforts. While the overall number of new measures declined in 2024, this reduction likely reflects strategic shifts rather than diminished interest in advancing anti-CRT policies.

Forecasting Future Trends

The political landscape following the inauguration of a new presidential administration in January 2025 is expected to amplify these anti-CRT trends at all levels of government. The incoming administration has committed to reintroducing policies such as Executive Order 13950, which, during its initial enactment, catalyzed a wave of anti-CRT measures nationwide. Anticipated developments include:

Expansion of Federal Interventions: Unified control of the legislative and executive branches is expected to result in an increase in federal anti-CRT measures, which may further incentivize states and localities to adopt aligned policies.

Focus on K-12 and Higher Education: Renewed efforts to restrict funding for institutions perceived as promoting CRT, coupled with proposed accreditation reforms, are likely to exacerbate challenges for educational institutions seeking to uphold commitments to equity and inclusion.

Aggressive Use of Enforcement Mechanisms: The incoming administration’s stated intention to leverage agency investigations and litigation as tools for enforcing compliance with anti-CRT mandates will likely have a chilling effect on institutions’ willingness to engage in DEI programming.

Accessing the Data

The dataset compiled by the CRT Forward Tracking Project, through December 31, 2024, remains accessible to the public for ongoing research and analysis. To access the downloadable dataset, visit IPUMS and navigate to "Anti-Critical Race Theory Measures (by multiple geographic levels)." Users will be prompted to create an IPUMS account to download the data.

As the CRT Forward Tracking Project concludes, the data and analyses provided will continue to serve as a critical resource for those committed to advancing the principles of CRT. The challenges posed by evolving legislative and policy landscapes necessitate continued vigilance and scholarly engagement.

Acknowledgments

The CRT Forward Tracking Project owes its achievements to the contributions of numerous partners, collaborators, and supporters. The UCLA School of Law, the Critical Race Studies Program, Lumina Foundation, the Rosenberg Foundation, IPUMS, the African American Policy Forum, PEN America and others have provided indispensable support. Additionally, the efforts of advocates, student and staff researchers, and community members who engaged with the Project have been integral to its success. The dedication and expertise of these individuals and organizations have ensured the Project’s enduring impact.