No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has one pledge from Roswell teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 8.
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 |
|---|---|
| Michelle Lynch | I believe that the only way we can start to break down systemic racism in the country is through honestly exploring where we have been as a nation. It's today's students that will create the vision and become the bridge between our darker past and an equitable future for all Americans. They simply can't do that without correct information and a chance to really hash out ideas in a safe environment, which classrooms should be. |
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