The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 25, the day before. It now has two pledges from Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol teachers included, "I refuse to lie about the systemic racism this county was built on and continues to profit from" and "I fear that the country I love will change in ways that my students, my children and grandchildren will have to resurrect against great odds. As I teach my young students, the truth is always the way back to yourself. It is difficult for them to imagine how it is better than lying when they face consequences for their actions, but the truth about what happened and their place in it will be the seed of goodness they grow connection integrity, empathy, and the chance to be better. This is what the truth of our history provides all of us..".
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 |
|---|---|
| Deborah Rummel | I fear that the country I love will change in ways that my students, my children and grandchildren will have to resurrect against great odds. As I teach my young students, the truth is always the way back to yourself. It is difficult for them to imagine how it is better than lying when they face consequences for their actions, but the truth about what happened and their place in it will be the seed of goodness they grow connection integrity, empathy, and the chance to be better. This is what the truth of our history provides all of us... |
| Nicole Lamb | I refuse to lie about the systemic racism this county was built on and continues to profit from. |
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