The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 25, the day before. It now has two pledges from American Canyon 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 American Canyon teachers included, "The corporate model our school districts insist upon has never worked, yet educators and students continue to lose agency to policies that inhibit freedom of expression and ideas. Until we fully grasp the implications of our failing education system, people in our nation will stand no chance in assuming the basic rights afforded to us by the Constitution. Eliminate the private companies that profit from standardized exams and textbooks and remove their lobbyists... teach the true history that Howard Zinn recommended back in 1980!" and "traditional history books are written in the eyes of the “winners.” Their subjectivity ignores the perspective of those oppressed and marginalized. In order for our schools to promote inclusion, it is important for students and staff to acknowledge and learn from the vast and various experiences of ALL people".
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 |
|---|---|
| Charles O'Connor | The corporate model our school districts insist upon has never worked, yet educators and students continue to lose agency to policies that inhibit freedom of expression and ideas. Until we fully grasp the implications of our failing education system, people in our nation will stand no chance in assuming the basic rights afforded to us by the Constitution. Eliminate the private companies that profit from standardized exams and textbooks and remove their lobbyists... teach the true history that Howard Zinn recommended back in 1980! |
| Monica Simeon | traditional history books are written in the eyes of the “winners.” Their subjectivity ignores the perspective of those oppressed and marginalized. In order for our schools to promote inclusion, it is important for students and staff to acknowledge and learn from the vast and various experiences of ALL people. |
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