No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has 10 pledges from Renton teachers by the end of the week ending March 12.
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 new Renton teachers included “Understanding all the histories and struggles that have not been represented throughout history is imperative in a time where progress needs to continue. Ignoring the atrocities that have been committed by white folks, and specifically white men, to communities of color and women is not progress, but instead an attempt to continue spreading this false narrative that we live in a perfect country where these injustices are non-existent. Progress begins with us as adults and educators but it is continued by young people. Young people have every right to learn, know, and understand that this country is broken and that we need to have this education in place in the name of progress and safety for all who call this country home.” and “I refuse to lie or mislead students about the history of this country.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Stephanie Price | “no comment” |
| Jessica Justice | Because you can’t heal if you don’t examine hard truths. |
| Darrin Hoop | “no comment” |
| Aaron Joy | Understanding all the histories and struggles that have not been represented throughout history is imperative in a time where progress needs to continue. Ignoring the atrocities that have been committed by white folks, and specifically white men, to communities of color and women is not progress, but instead an attempt to continue spreading this false narrative that we live in a perfect country where these injustices are non-existent. Progress begins with us as adults and educators but it is continued by young people. Young people have every right to learn, know, and understand that this country is broken and that we need to have this education in place in the name of progress and safety for all who call this country home. |
| Martha Zwicker | “no comment” |
| Debbie Kuttner | I cannot think of how to say something professional. I just want to start swearing and screaming. How can we go backwards this dramatically in time?! Education should always strive to speak truths. |
| Karen Wong | “no comment” |
| Joanne Glasgow | “no comment” |
| Miriam Hogley | “no comment” |
| Freedom Johnson | I refuse to lie or mislead students about the history of this country. |
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