Critical Race Theory

Members of the Missouri House and Senate have adjourned for spring break, marking the halfway point of the legislative session. So far, the GOP-controlled chambers have passed bills to raise state employee pay, restrict how schools can teach about race, and limit voter-led ballot initiatives.

Black students at Eureka High School are upset that the Rockwood School Board eliminated its diversity and inclusion programs and want the school board to replace their programs or implement new ones. The students say that racist incidents at their school are weighing on them and that they need more diversity programs, which are safe spaces for them.

The legislation requires schools to disclose curriculum documentation such as syllabi and source materials. And while the phrase critical race theory is not defined nor listed in the bill, the legislation does list several concepts about race and diversity that it says schools should not teach or compel teachers or students to adhere or adopt.

Though the amended legislation no longer includes the phrase "critical race theory" or bars the teaching of it specifically, critics still worry it could hinder the teaching of history.

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.

Over 100 educators gathered in Jefferson City to voice opposition to Missouri bills that would allow public districts and charter schools to open enrollment to nonresidents, and a "Parent's Bill of Rights" that would ban schools from teaching diversity-related concepts and "critical race theory."

The bill bans schools from teaching some diversity-related concepts, as well as the teaching of courses or units of study on critical race theory. However, that term is not specifically defined in the legislation and no elementary or secondary schools in the state are teaching CRT.

The legislation makes several changes regarding K-12 education, including the creation of a portal that contains every school district’s curriculum and other information. It also bans the teaching of diversity-related concepts.

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."

The famous New York Times series has seen its creator write a "1619" book then move to the current production of a six-part documentary on the project.

A new Missouri law banning “explicit sexual material” on school property went into effect Aug. 24, prompting books to be removed from classrooms and libraries. The Missouri Association of School Librarians pointed to a potential exemption "if considered artistic or informational in nature.”

Lee's Summit students and parents rallied with signs and pride flags to protest a group of students' efforts to start a club affiliated with Turning Point USA.