The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 25, the day before. It now has four pledges from Alpharetta teachers.
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 Alpharetta teachers included, "In order to build a better future and overcome the issues of the past, t is critically important that teachers be able to speak honestly, openly about our history as a people. To not be able to talk about issues of race in America feels like the attempts to curtail conversation about evolution because some people felt threatened by open dialogue" and "We, all of us, aren’t truly free unless all our stories are told, and unless all our futures hold the same spectrum of opportunity".
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 |
|---|---|
| Davida Denton | We, all of us, aren’t truly free unless all our stories are told, and unless all our futures hold the same spectrum of opportunity. |
| Kelly Rodgers | Students will never understand the America they live in today if they don't understand what we have been in the past. They will never be prepared to be fully participating citizens who can see truth and recognize lies and therefore preserve, protect and defend democracy as the bedrock of American society. |
| Shane Mangrum | In order to build a better future and overcome the issues of the past, t is critically important that teachers be able to speak honestly, openly about our history as a people. To not be able to talk about issues of race in America feels like the attempts to curtail conversation about evolution because some people felt threatened by open dialogue. |
| Yvonne David | No comment |
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