Democratic Representation in State Content Standards: Leaving Out Students of Color

Using Critical Race Theory, this paper explores existing narratives within state social studies content standards – specifically secondary United States history and government/civics courses. This paper analyzes how the issue of gerrymandering, racial gerrymandering, and modern voter suppression is addressed in content standards from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This paper also seeks to understand how academic content standards address the Voting Rights Act of 1965.