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.
The Mancos teacher wrote "I teach students the truth about US history and grow in them the critical thinking skills to evaluate the truth for themselves. I don't have to hide the truth, or white-supremacy wash the truth, or pretend that atrocities that occurred didn't happen. Young people are smart and can evaluate facts often better than adults because they aren't consumed with fear of difference the way adults are." when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Lisa Martin | I teach students the truth about US history and grow in them the critical thinking skills to evaluate the truth for themselves. I don't have to hide the truth, or white-supremacy wash the truth, or pretend that atrocities that occurred didn't happen. Young people are smart and can evaluate facts often better than adults because they aren't consumed with fear of difference the way adults are. |
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