Annelise Hanshaw

The Republican-backed bill seeks to restrict educators from teaching certain concepts, such as “individuals of any race, ethnicity, color, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior.” The legislation does not define "critical race theory," which is not taught in elementary or secondary schools, but the buzzword overwhelmed hearings.

After a musical drag performance at the annual Columbia Values Diversity Breakfast, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent letters to the Columbia public school district and city officials accusing them of violating laws protecting children from sexually explicit material. The group says the performance was "completely G-rated."

Proposed bills being considered in the Missouri Senate would restrict the teaching of "divisive concepts" in schools and would give parents the ability to object to any lessons or teaching materials they deem "inappropriate for whatever reason."

Efforts to ban transgender girls from competing in women’s sports are expected to pick up momentum when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January.