The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 6, the day before. It now has six pledges from New Haven 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 New Haven teachers included, "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" and "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".
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 |
---|---|
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. |
Jaclyn Tolkin | No comment |
Nataliya Braginsky | No comment |
Samantha Ginzberg | No comment |
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. |