In this paper, I problematize traditional notions of statistical literacy by juxtaposing it with critical literacy. At the school level statistical literacy is vitally important for students who are preparing to become citizens in modern societies that are increasingly shaped and driven by data based arguments. The teaching of statistics, which is the science of data, is firmly rooted in the mathematics curriculum at the K-12 school level, making statistical literacy a crucial goal in mathematics education. I discuss key ideas from critical literacy in formal school contexts, especially within the field of mathematics education and intersect those with key ideas from statistical literacy to create a critical statistical literacy framework. Potential contributions of and barriers to the implementation of a critical statistical literacy are discussed.