Critical Race Theory (CRT) holds three ideas. There is no absolute truth, only compelling narratives, individuals are either an oppressor or victim, and America is systemically racist and must be dismantled. When teachers teach CRT, they claim the goal is teaching diversity of thought, but it is an excuse to teach students to view others through ethnic stereotypes. True equality will be achieved by maximizing the ability of all Americans, not by dividing Americans on the basis of race and teaching that America is an irredeemably racist country.

Instead of teaching CRT, what teachers should do is use instructional content that creates a shared sense of national identity, teach that America belongs to all Americans, and that this nation and its progress is worth celebrating. Teachers should impart the foundational principles of this country, which include equality of all humans, equal protection under the law, liberty, self-reliance, and hard work. History should be taught impartially, with differing views delivered in a balanced, non-politicized curriculum, explaining how the government works and how the individual citizen can contribute.

Transparency is the key to holding the government accountable. Parents should be given access to the debate and decision making processes of incorporating CRT into the schools. Parents can also contact their state education and elected officials to discuss their concerns about CRT. As CRT uses taxpayer dollars and school hours to educate students to hold one particular belief, it politicizes the education system. CRT is incorporated into history, literature, social studies, writing, and more. Schools are reallocating teaching time and resources away from math and reading and diverting them to CRT lessons. Parents need to understand what is going on in the schools and how to address their concerns in a productive way.

To stay on top of what is occurring in Ohio K-12 education, parents can check in to websites dedicated to providing information about CRT, which are updated frequently. Some suggested websites are:

These websites, as well as others, are dedicated to providing the facts about how CRT is being incorporated into public schools, as well as the fallout from this new focus in education. Parents and voters who are informed about current educational policies will have the information necessary to make their beliefs known.