South King News

Critical Race Theory will be taught by two teachers in Enumclaw who’ve signed an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project by the week ending Dec. 11.

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.

Comments from Enumclaw teachers included, "All generations deserve to be taught the truth about our history and not teaching or distorting the truth does irreparable damage to our society and world. We need to do better to ensure a more equitable, inclusive, non systematic racism in our country" and "As a teacher, white man, descendant of European immigrants and father of two, it is vital we help our students understand the many issues we face as Americans today, by giving students the honest truth of the past, so students can make educated choices about our future. I proudly use Zinn Education Project materials in my classroom and recommend them for all teachers".

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
Jason Mertz	As a teacher, white man, descendant of European immigrants and father of two, it is vital we help our students understand the many issues we face as Americans today, by giving students the honest truth of the past, so students can make educated choices about our future. I proudly use Zinn Education Project materials in my classroom and recommend them for all teachers.
Melanie McKenzie	All generations deserve to be taught the truth about our history and not teaching or distorting the truth does irreparable damage to our society and world. We need to do better to ensure a more equitable, inclusive, non systematic racism in our country.