The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 18, the day before. It now has eight pledges from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City teachers included, "We cannot become better if we do not acknowledge our past mistakes" and "We are not a country with "one story" but many. Our country's strengths are based on the contributions and struggles of all people. For our country to progress, our young people need to understand the inequalities and inequities of the past and today so that they can work to establish "a more perfect Union" for themselves and future generations".
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 |
|---|---|
| April Johnson | The truth matters! |
| Bonnie Owens | I care about the youth I work with, their families, and their futures. I care about and support my colleagues of Color and others who have been oppressed. Hiding our history will not protect us from the consequences of marginalization and systemic oppression. |
| Chelsey James | The truth matters. There are so many unheard stories and voices that make up the real, full history of America. It is important to know the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. |
| David Carrier | Adopting laws that actively promote denial and ignorance is a strategy that will not move society forward. My best guess is that very few teachers will actually conform to these new mandates. Many of us will respond by increasing class time spent on critical race theory, structural sexism, and LGBT oppression. |
| Holly Rawlings | If we want to achieve the goals of founding fathers, we need to talk about the truth. |
| Liz Paige | We are not a country with "one story" but many. Our country's strengths are based on the contributions and struggles of all people. For our country to progress, our young people need to understand the inequalities and inequities of the past and today so that they can work to establish "a more perfect Union" for themselves and future generations. |
| Sarah Walsh | No comment |
| Sherri Horton | We cannot become better if we do not acknowledge our past mistakes. |
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