CRT Forward Trends as of October 2024
By: Jo Zhou
Recent data from the CRT Forward Tracking Project shows several new trends in anti-Critical Race Theory (CRT) policies across the U.S. These trends include: (1) a sharp decline in new anti-CRT measures; (2) over half of new measures targeting both Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and training for the first time; (3) a rise in measures restricting “sex”-related concepts; (4) a shift from K-12 schools to higher education and government; (5) a stronger focus on compliance enforcement; and (6) renewed use of language from the Trump’s Administration's Executive Order 13950.
- Fewer Anti-CRT Measures Introduced
By October 2024, the CRT Forward Tracking Project identified 862 anti-CRT measures, with only 61 introduced in 2024. These new measures were introduced in 21 states and at the federal level. Meanwhile, 15 states that introduced anti-CRT measures between 2021 and 2023 did not introduce any in 2024. Since 2021, 19 states and the federal government have introduced anti-CRT measures every year.
In 2023, there was a 26% decrease in new measures compared to 2022. This trend continued in 2024, with a dramatic 71% decrease in new measures from the previous year. This suggests that the push for anti-CRT policies may have reached its peak.
- More Measures Target Both DEI and Training
A total of 150 anti-CRT measures focus on DEI, representing 17% of all measures identified. This focus has grown over time: in 2022, only 6% of new measures targeted DEI, but in 2023, this rose to 32%. In 2024, 57% of new measures revised DEI or antiracism policies. However, the actual number of DEI-focused measures dropped by 49%, with only 35 introduced in 2024 compared to 69 in 2023.
Relatedly, 305 anti-CRT measures prohibit certain types of training, making up 35% of all identified measures. The percentage of new measures banning training increased to 67% in 2024, although the number of these measures fell by 49%, with only 41 introduced in 2024.
For the first time, over half of new measures in 2024 target both DEI and training. Of the new measures, 51% address both, a significant increase from 15% in 2023. Even though there were fewer new measures overall, the number targeting both DEI and training remained about the same (31 in 2024 vs. 32 in 2023). This indicates that the focus is shifting toward measures that tackle both areas together.
- Increase in “Sex”-Related Restrictions
Out of all anti-CRT measures, 363 restrict concepts related to “sex,” making up 42% of the total. Since 2021, new measures increasingly target “sex”-related concepts. In 2024, 72% of new measures included “sex” as a restricted topic, a 27-point increase from 2023. Measures targeting both DEI and training are also 33% more likely to restrict “sex”-related concepts than other measures, likely contributing to this increase.
- Focus Shifts from K-12 to Higher Education and Government
In December 2023, CRT Forward reported that anti-CRT policies were shifting from K-12 schools to higher education and government. This trend has continued in 2024, with more measures targeting higher education and government. In 2023, 28% of new measures focused on higher education, but this rose to 41% in 2024. Similarly, measures targeting state and federal government increased from 26% to 41%. Meanwhile, the percentage targeting K-12 schools fell from 69% to 51%.
There is also less reliance on local-level measures, with only one local measure introduced in 2024, a 98% decrease from 42 in 2023. In contrast, state-level measures rose from 68% in 2023 to 77% in 2024, and federal-level measures from 13% to 21%.
- Greater Emphasis on Compliance Enforcement
Of all anti-CRT measures, 31% include enforcement mechanisms such as withholding funds, creating a private cause of action, providing vouchers, denying tenure, or revoking teaching licenses. In 2023, only 36% of new measures had enforcement, but this rose to 66% in 2024.
In 2024, 52% of new measures threaten to withhold funds from entities that do not comply, up from 23% in 2023. Additionally, 30% of new measures create a private cause of action, up from 16%. This shift shows that anti-CRT policies are increasingly focused on enforcement, moving beyond just setting guidelines.
- Renewed Use of Trump’s Executive Order 13950 Language
In 2023, only 59% of new measures included language from Trump’s Executive Order 13950, which was the lowest since 2021. However, in 2024, this language was used in 67% of new measures, the second-highest rate since 2021.
In 2024, 46% of new measures referenced individuals being responsible for historical or systemic racism, the highest rate recorded. Also, 36% mentioned the idea that meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist, marking a record high. Additionally, 33% of new measures used language about individuals experiencing “discomfort, guilt, anguish, or distress” due to their race, comparable to the 34% in 2021. The term “Critical Race Theory” or “CRT” appeared in 36% of new measures, the second-highest rate since 2021.
The renewed use of language from EO 13950 indicates that, despite shifts in the focus and enforcement of anti-CRT policies, Trump’s executive order remains a significant influence.