No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Concord teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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. 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 |
|---|---|
| Christie Cho | Our continued reticence to acknowledge our history contributes to the ongoing systemic racism that has become a defining characteristic of this country. To not teach the truth—that this country was built by slave labor on stolen land by still-disenfranchised populations—is a disservice to our shared history, our collective future, and our children's education. |
| Whitney Howarth | Without the freedom to teach the truth, face our history and understand the most troubling parts of our past, we can not move forward, heal, repair and bring justice to all. |
| Cassidy John | “no comment” |
| Cindy Falabella | I believe in equal rights for all. |
| Ryan Buchanan | Whitewashing history does not change the harm our pasted actions has caused. |
| Carisa Corrow | Racism hurts everybody, including white folks like me, my ancestors and my children. We can't have justice for all if we don't face the truth together. |
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