No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Sierra Madre teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 15.
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 Sierra Madre teachers included “An informed electorate is necessary to the survival of democracy. That includes knowing the truth about our history - the whole truth. This work begins in kindergarten with teachers who address our history and present in an age-appropriate manner.” and “True history needs to be taught, not suppressed. Bullying tactics to silence educators will not work.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Heather Messner | True history needs to be taught, not suppressed. Bullying tactics to silence educators will not work. |
| Debbie Bamberger | An informed electorate is necessary to the survival of democracy. That includes knowing the truth about our history - the whole truth. This work begins in kindergarten with teachers who address our history and present in an age-appropriate manner. |
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