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 Cleveland teachers included, "Truth is life! Teach truth not hypocrisy. Teach United States and global history correctly!!" and "Learning the truth about the country's history is the only way to change the present and create a better world. It's integral to learn about the history of oppression and injustice in order to fight to end all forms of oppression and injustice".
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 |
|---|---|
| Bridgid Foster | I teach the truth. |
| Candice Zawoiski | Learning the truth about the country's history is the only way to change the present and create a better world. It's integral to learn about the history of oppression and injustice in order to fight to end all forms of oppression and injustice. |
| Charles Ellenbogen | No comment |
| Charles Ellenbogen | I will not be silenced. |
| Dorcus Johnson | Truth is life! Teach truth not hypocrisy. Teach United States and global history correctly!! |
| Erica Talbot | No comment |
| Leah Jackson | No comment |
| Neil Slobin | No comment |
| Nicholas Marzuola | Students need to know *all* of history, including the parts that might make some people uncomfortable. History should not frame events or people in a falsely-created positive view, but rather from events and actions that actually occured.Anybody who tries to silence reality is likely a fascist. The only way to stop fascism is truth, knowledge, and empowerment. |
| Sarah Sommers | No comment |
| Shannon Trimble | No comment |
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