Christopher Rufo

Christopher Rufo
Rufo in 2022
Born
Christopher Ferguson Rufo

(1984-08-26) August 26, 1984 (age 40)
EducationGeorgetown University (BS)
Harvard University (ALM)
EmployerManhattan Institute for Policy Research
Known for
Anti-critical race theory activism
  • Opposition to LGBTQ discussions in classrooms
Spouse
Suphatra Paravichai
​
(m. 2016)​
Children3
Websitechristopherrufo.com

Christopher Ferguson Rufo (born August 26, 1984) is an American conservative activist,[1][2] New College of Florida board member, and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.[3] He is an opponent of critical race theory, which he says "has pervaded every aspect of the federal government" and poses "an existential threat to the United States".[4] He is a former documentary filmmaker and former fellow at the Discovery Institute, the Claremont Institute, The Heritage Foundation, and the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism.[5][4][6]

Rufo has been involved in Republican efforts to restrict critical race theory instruction or seminars.[4] He described his strategy to oppose critical race theory as using the term to "put all of the various cultural insanities under that brand category" and "to have the public read something crazy in the newspaper and immediately think 'critical race theory.'"[7] Rufo's appearances with Tucker Carlson on Fox News reportedly influenced President Donald Trump to issue an executive order in 2020 banning some topics from diversity training for the government and contractors; the order was rescinded by President Joe Biden in 2021.[1][4]

Rufo opposes teachers discussing LGBTQ issues in schools. He has contended that public schools are often "hunting grounds for sexual predators".[8][9] Rufo has argued in favor of establishing a "bridge" between the "dissident right and the establishment right".[10]

  1. ^ a b Guynn, Jessica (January 20, 2021). "President Joe Biden rescinds Donald Trump ban on diversity training about systemic racism". USA Today. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  2. ^ Kiernan, Paul (October 9, 2020). "Conservative Activist Grabbed Trump's Eye on Diversity Training". The Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved May 7, 2021.
  3. ^ "Christopher F. Rufo". Manhattan Institute. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d Wallace-Wells, Benjamin (June 18, 2021). "How a Conservative Activist Invented the Conflict Over Critical Race Theory". The New Yorker. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference :8 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Beedle, Heidi (December 1, 2022). "A New Conservative Group Uses Anti-LGBTQ Sentiment to Attack Colorado Public Schools". Colorado Times Recorder. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ Chait, Jonathan (April 13, 2022). "Christopher Rufo Foments a School-Rape Panic". Intelligencer. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  9. ^ Cite error: The named reference :10 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  10. ^ Wilson, Jason (October 11, 2023). "'No enemies to the right': DeSantis ally hosts debate hedging white nationalism". The Guardian.