No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has eight pledges from Pittsburgh teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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 Pittsburgh teachers included “Remaining silent, while allowing personal safety, is just as bad as being racist, homophobic, etc. and I refuse to be part of America's oppression any longer. My students will know the truth and they will know that no matter what their race, gender, or identity, I will always advocate and stand up for them, their rights, and their freedom.” and “I believe in truth and equity for all.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Yael Engel | “no comment” |
| Cathy Rohrer | No one should have to fight for their rights. We all need to acknowledge how so many people in this country have been denied their rights in ways both overt and subtle. Our students need to be prepared to build a more just future for all. |
| Gina Kilpela | “no comment” |
| James Simkins | We can only solve our current challenges as a society if we have citizens who know the truth about how we got here. We can't lie to the next generation about what happened in history. |
| Jennifer McGonagle | “no comment” |
| Krystal Smith | for students to understand why there are so many inequalities in our country, they need to understand that racism is one of the root causes of this. Because racism is a root cause, they need to know how this plays a role in their lives (and their families lives) today. They also need to learn tools to help them navigate and overcome these inequities or put an end to them. Our past is a reflection of our present which flows into the future, and the children we serve are the future. |
| Kara Eckels | Remaining silent, while allowing personal safety, is just as bad as being racist, homophobic, etc. and I refuse to be part of America's oppression any longer. My students will know the truth and they will know that no matter what their race, gender, or identity, I will always advocate and stand up for them, their rights, and their freedom. |
| Susan Forrest | I believe in truth and equity for all. |
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