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 Napa teachers included, "It is time to tell the truth about racism and sexism in our history. Our children will be well served to hear the facts. They should be able to have open discussions about this topic with well informed teachers guiding the conversation. Truth is patriotic" and "It is unconscionable to me that lawmakers wish to ban the truth about our problematic history. If we sweep our mistakes under the rug, we will truly never learn from them, nor heal the toxin that so virulently infects our society".
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 |
|---|---|
| Judy Donovan | It is time to tell the truth about racism and sexism in our history. Our children will be well served to hear the facts. They should be able to have open discussions about this topic with well informed teachers guiding the conversation. Truth is patriotic. |
| Ryan Strole | It is unconscionable to me that lawmakers wish to ban the truth about our problematic history. If we sweep our mistakes under the rug, we will truly never learn from them, nor heal the toxin that so virulently infects our society. |
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