No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has one pledge from Sherman 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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Jenny Richard | I believe my role as a history teacher is to create informed citizens who make a better world. My students need to know where we came from, the mistakes we've made as a country, so they can try to do better in the future. I want it country to be a place where everyone is truly equal and able to pursue their dreams without threats of violence or systemic racism. That can't happen unless we address the inequalities of the past. |
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