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What Is Critical Race Theory?

Critical race theory is an offshoot of Marxism that replaces “class” with race. Every social ill or outcome is explained by race, and every structure in our government and society is defined as inherently racist. Academia, business, government, law, even the U.S. Constitution is deemed structurally racist or a contributor to a racist system. 


Critical race theory says that race is the sole reason that problems of inequality, poverty, and educational gaps exist. It denies evidence that two-parent households, education level, and employment history are better indicators of inequality than race.


Under critical race theory, something as simple as encouraging children to work hard and get an education in order to succeed would be seen as a reflection of a white, capitalist power structure.


Critical race theory says that because our society, our economy, our government, and our culture are inherently racist, the only solution is to dismantle it all entirely. Proponents of critical race theory advocate for elimination of property rights and redistribution of wealth based on race.

How Is Critical Race Theory Taught to Children?

When taken to the classroom, the central lessons of critic​al race theory are: 

America is racist. 

Capitalism is racist and wrong. 

White people are responsible for that racism and should bear shame and guilt for their part in that and the “privilege” that they experience.


At the elementary level, this becomes: America is bad because it is racist and white people are responsible for that.


Last year, a proposed flier from the Smithsonian for talking about race to schoolchildren (from a critical race perspective) was circulated online before being removed. It categorized things like: the scientific method, the nuclear family, and hard work as aspects of white culture. 


Not only is it a reductive exercise in stereotyping, it demeans universal values. Nuclear families aren’t “white”. Christianity isn’t white. Self-reliance, competition, putting a value on time, and hard work are not exclusive to white or European culture. It’s insulting - and plain ridiculous - to suggest that other cultures have not also developed similar value systems.

This flier was created by the Smithsonian to reflect teachings of critical race theory

What Can Parents Do to Stop Indoctrination?

Critical race theory is a fringe ideology that is being promoted by a small, but extreme vocal, group of activists. Out of fear of being called "racist" for failing to embrace critical race theory (which is sometimes also labelled "antiracism"), corporations, government officials, and schools across the country are making critical race theory part of their workshops and curricula.


Parents must band together to put a stop to the indoctrination of critical race theory. You can help by getting involved at the local, state, and federal level. Here are just a few things you can do:

  • Show up at a school board meeting and explain why critical race theory has no place in the classroom. Try to bring along other parents who will also speak out against it.

  • Send a letter to the principal at your local school and let him know what you think about the teaching of critical race theory in the classroom.

  • Some states legislators and governors have tried to prevent the teaching of critical race theory in their public schools. Contact your elected officials and tell them why you oppose the inclusion of critical race theory in the curriculum.

  • Email the state Department of Education and ask if there are any plans to include critical race theory in the classroom. Explain why this is a problem.

  • Start a petition to keep critical race theory out of your local schools.

By making your voice heard, you can prevent the indoctrination of our children in this divisive, anti-American ideology. Get involved today!


Mission: Education has signed on to the 1776 Unites open letter to Smith College, opposing the use of critical race indoctrination in its handling of an employee incident. Read more here.​

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