No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has four pledges from West Covina 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 West Covina teachers included “students deserve to know the truth about our history so they can make informed decisions based on the changes and continuity of social structures in our society.” and “truth must be told especially when dealing with the history of our nation”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Erin Reid | I am passionate about teaching the struggle and plight of all Americans; we cannot rewrite history or ignore the past; for if we do, it will become our future. |
| Melody Cortés | Because students deserve to practice being critical thinkers without “sugar coating,” history. |
| Marco Durant | truth must be told especially when dealing with the history of our nation |
| Tiffany Wilcox | students deserve to know the truth about our history so they can make informed decisions based on the changes and continuity of social structures in our society. |
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