The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 9, the day before. It now has 16 pledges from Cleveland 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 Cleveland teachers included, "I will not be silenced" and "As a teacher of law and social justice, I have an ethical obligation to teach my students the truth about historical injustice, systemic and institutional racism, and the treatment of individuals who struggle in society as a result of the misuse of power. I do my best to teach them the truth even when the students (and their parents) do not want to hear it. The same individuals who believe removing confederate statues is equal to erasing American history are the same individuals who don't believe that systemic and institutional racism exist. The lack of understanding of American history and government boggles the mind. We cannot heal what we do not acknowledge. Recognizing, understanding, and resolving to change the sins of the United States does not make us less American. Rather, we become more American as we truly embrace the democratic principles on which this country was founded".
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 |
| Kamisha Morrison | The truth and facts are not up for debate |
| Laila Smith | I am an employee inside of an school within a large inner city. |
| Leah Jackson | No comment |
| Lora Winger | As a teacher of law and social justice, I have an ethical obligation to teach my students the truth about historical injustice, systemic and institutional racism, and the treatment of individuals who struggle in society as a result of the misuse of power. I do my best to teach them the truth even when the students (and their parents) do not want to hear it. The same individuals who believe removing confederate statues is equal to erasing American history are the same individuals who don't believe that systemic and institutional racism exist. The lack of understanding of American history and government boggles the mind. We cannot heal what we do not acknowledge. Recognizing, understanding, and resolving to change the sins of the United States does not make us less American. Rather, we become more American as we truly embrace the democratic principles on which this country was founded. |
| Maryann Harris | Truth makes a Difference! It works 24 hours everyday. Truth is Free!Thanks,MaryAnn Harris |
| Michelle Tomaro | The children of this country deserve to learn the real history that we have lived through for many years specifically built on the back of oppressed minorities. |
| 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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