Psaki says teaching kids critical race theory isn't 'indoctrination,' it's 'responsible'

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki this week suggested that teaching schoolchildren the controversial doctrine of "critical race theory" is actually "responsible" instead of dangerous as it has been painted by many critics. 

"Critical race theory" is an educational framework most popular in academia, one that holds that "racism is endemic, not aberrational, in American society" and that traditional ideals of colorblindness and equal treatment should be discarded in order to fight racist structures. 

Asked at Thursday's White House press briefing about recent criticism of critical race theory from Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Psaki said Cotton's description of the educational theory "sounds very mysterious and dangerous." 

"But," she added, "... I don’t think we would think — we believe that educating the youth and next — the leaders of the — future leaders of the country on systemic racism is indoctrination. That's actually responsible."

Some state legislators in recent months have proposed bans on critical race theory in public education systems, claiming the framework it presents is divisive and serves to inflame racial tension rather than subdue it.