The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 11, the day before. It now has two pledges from Carmichael 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 Carmichael teachers included, "Democracy - and human decency - requires truth, and not only in education! Anyone who thinks truth can - or even should - be banned by legislation, is displaying a sick and twisted mentality trying to use perverted logic to hide or defend some inhumane or criminal action or event" and "I am signing my name because it is the right thing to do. America will never heal and realize it’s true potential until we admit and rectify the sins of our past. My children and my students are counting on us to do the right thing".
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 |
---|---|
Heather Mulford-Roy | I am signing my name because it is the right thing to do. America will never heal and realize it’s true potential until we admit and rectify the sins of our past. My children and my students are counting on us to do the right thing. |
Mario Galvan | Democracy - and human decency - requires truth, and not only in education! Anyone who thinks truth can - or even should - be banned by legislation, is displaying a sick and twisted mentality trying to use perverted logic to hide or defend some inhumane or criminal action or event. |