No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has four pledges from Goodyear teachers by the end of the week ending April 2.
They’re one of the thousands of US teachers pledging to continue educating students about the controversial Critical Race Theory, which explains racism is embedded in US culture and politics.
Though the concept was first suggested in the late 70’s, it has recently exploded as a contentious issue between the American right and left in the last two years.
Many who signed the pledge are defying state bans on the teachings. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
In an interview with The Washington Free Beacon, Ashley Varner of the Freedom Foundation accused the Zinn Education Project of providing “left-leaning propaganda to teachers.”
Teachers | Thoughts on Critical Race Theory |
---|---|
Jill Helland | We are morally and ethically responsible to teach our children and youth TRUTH! If we can’t learn from the past, we will continue to repeat the same terrible mistakes and atrocities-over and over again! |
Cathering Barnett | Teaching truth matters. |
Susan Hennessy | This is ludicrous! I truly don’t have all the words to describe how half the country wants us to teach our youth lies. My middle school history teaching husband will NOT be changing his curriculum! |
Nikole Brasch | My students deserve the truth and an honest look at the past. |