Rep. Vicky Hartzler: Critical race theory and our schools -- focus on the ABCs, not CRT

There is little doubt that the teaching of critical race theory stifles the growth of our children, belittles them, and teaches them that they themselves and their families are racist regardless of their individual beliefs.

As a former teacher for more than a decade, I know there are few more influential times in a child’s early developmental stages than the hours spent learning in the classroom. Gone would be the days where hard work and perseverance are rewarded and the American Dream held in high esteem, as CRT focuses not on character, but rather on one’s race. This divides our children by defining one’s worth solely on the color of their skin and not their heart and soul. This is troubling.