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 New Haven teachers included, "Those who have been systematically oppressed deserve to have their stories told. History isn’t pretty and students need to know that" and "I won't lie or intentionally deceive young children about history - especially related to creating a more fair society".
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 |
|---|---|
| Dana Palmieri | Those who have been systematically oppressed deserve to have their stories told. History isn’t pretty and students need to know that. |
| Dawn Cole-Easterday | I won't lie or intentionally deceive young children about history - especially related to creating a more fair society. |
| Dena Vaillancourt | Teaching the truth, the whole truth, is not only good for some but ALL students. All students deserve to learn the good and the bad to be truly free. |
| Emily MacMelburn | My students deserve the truth, from me, from their other teachers, and even from the state curriculum. So far nothing is preventing this, but I stand with other educators around the country. This is important, for everyone, for informed citizens, and for change. |
| Jaclyn Tolkin | No comment |
| Mary Lawrence | No comment |
| Nataliya Braginsky | No comment |
| Samantha Ginzberg | No comment |
| Scott Meikle | I will not lie to my students. |
| Tracey Mayes | I truly believe we cannot move forward as a country unless we are willing to learn and accept the truth about racism and the history of America. |
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