No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has 15 pledges from Cleveland teachers by the end of the week ending April 9.
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Laila Smith | I am an employee inside of an school within a large inner city. |
| 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. |
| Kamisha Morrison | The truth and facts are not up for debate |
| Maryann Harris | Truth makes a Difference! It works 24 hours everyday. Truth is Free!Thanks,MaryAnn Harris |
| Charles Ellenbogen | I will not be silenced. |
| Shannon Trimble | “no comment” |
| Leah Jackson | “no comment” |
| Charles Ellenbogen | “no comment” |
| Bridgid Foster | I teach the truth. |
| 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. |
| Erica Talbot | “no comment” |
| Neil Slobin | “no comment” |
| 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. |
| Dorcus Johnson | Truth is life! Teach truth not hypocrisy. Teach United States and global history correctly!! |
| Sarah Sommers | “no comment” |
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