The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 16, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Independence 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 Independence teachers included, "My students deserve to know the truth about the history and current climate that have built the situation they live in. I am hopeful that with this knowledge and understanding, they will solve many problems and prevent some that needn’t happen" and "My biracial daughter and all of our students deserve to learn our true history. “One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” – Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter from Birmingham Jail," April 1963 We, the undersigned educators, refuse to lie to young people about U.S. history and current events".
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 |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Gorman | I have a moral obligation to my students which supercedes my obligation to politicians who make ignorant and unethical policy. I will continue learning and teaching the truth as long as I am allowed to do so. |
| Courtney Petersen | I want students to know the truth. Students don’t need lies. History will continue to repeat itself if we don’t learn from our mistakes. How can we heal if we can’t name the problem? |
| Frida Sanchez | Now more than ever are we in a revolutionary era of teaching and learning. Knowledge is power, the students deserve the truth |
| Jennifer Gaye | I advocate for all students. I advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools, curriculum, and community. |
| Jennifer Gaye | My biracial daughter and all of our students deserve to learn our true history. “One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” – Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter from Birmingham Jail," April 1963 We, the undersigned educators, refuse to lie to young people about U.S. history and current events. |
| Rossana Serres | No comment |
| Sheri Tindle | My students deserve to know the truth about the history and current climate that have built the situation they live in. I am hopeful that with this knowledge and understanding, they will solve many problems and prevent some that needn’t happen. |
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