The pledge was signed by no teachers on April 20, the day before. It now has two pledges from Willits 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 Willits teachers included, "The truth matters! The students deserve to know the history of this country, be empowered by factual information and inspired to do better for future generations!!!" and "The inequities in education are keeping our country divided. Let the truth be heard!!".
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 |
---|---|
Jennifer Valenzuela-Watkins | The inequities in education are keeping our country divided. Let the truth be heard!! |
Sue James | The truth matters! The students deserve to know the history of this country, be empowered by factual information and inspired to do better for future generations!!! |