No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has one pledge from Pacific teachers by the end of the week ending Oct. 23.
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. Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and South Dakota, have denounced the teachings without passing specific legislation.
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 |
|---|---|
| Rebecca Bell | First, I want to advocate for our students by ensuring they are afforded age-appropriate opportunities to ask questions, be informed, and make decisions based on the truth. Teaching the truth is a way we can educate and empower changemakers. Second, I want to advocate for human rights believing that truth should be spoken with conviction - not condemnation. |
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