Siegel's argument that reason may trump prejudice to some degree is compelling and important. If such measures were proven effective, they would likely come under fire from the top of the power structure. Prejudice has a long history of justifying negligent and malicious activity on our nation's behalf since our colonization.
While a system that encourages critical thinking at a young age would prove some effectiveness over time, some results in social psychology indicate that reason can be overcome by normative pressures. Solomon Asch found that participants are significantly more likely to pick a blatantly wrong answer if the other participants choose it first ( 76% rate of conformity in at least one of twelve trials).
Since beliefs are often instilled before the rational mind can fully develop, critical thinking will be challenged by the cognitive dissonance that occurs while holding contrary beliefs. While some people will change their beliefs for resolution, others simply create a new belief that rationalizes their behavior. (i e. While it is true I've never met a Muslim, they should be searched more thoroughly, because it's always better safe to be sorry).
The role of critical thinking and the nature of its education in prejudice beliefs needs to be studied further. Experimental classrooms that focus on critical thinking could be assessed with the prejudice belief assessment tools that are available.
