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 Orlando teachers included, "In a democracy, politicians don't interfere with educational curricula. Students deserve real education and not censored versions of a people's history" and "To solve problems, we need to be able to name them".
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 |
|---|---|
| Cassie Howard | To solve problems, we need to be able to name them. |
| Jennifer Borrelli | I stand for telling the truth. |
| Justine Huber | It is our responsibility to teach facts - no matter how unpleasant those FACTS might be. |
| Katie Pertschi | I’ve been a history teacher for the past 13 years. Tomorrow I’m leaving the profession for good. Laws like this make the broken system even more apparent and I cannot ethically work for such a system. |
| Laura Markley | Kids deserve to know that part of loving America is learning about the uncomfortable and sad parts of her history. When we give students historically accurate facts and allow them to look critically at where we could have done better, it creates civics-minded and socially-just students who want to create a more fair and just America for all. |
| Mia Laudato | No comment |
| Shauna Jackson | Teachers are supposed to educate. We are supposed to be trusted and looked to for guidance. I will not teach white painted history that is smothered in lies. |
| Shelley Park | In a democracy, politicians don't interfere with educational curricula. Students deserve real education and not censored versions of a people's history. |
| Tiffany Taylor | No comment |
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