No new teachers in Salt Lake City sign pledge on Jan. 10 to teach Critical Race Theory

By SLC Times

Jan 12, 2022

There were no new teachers in Salt Lake City who signed the pledge on Jan. 10, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has three 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, "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" and "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".

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 in Salt Lake City who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
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.
Sherri Horton	We cannot become better if we do not acknowledge our past mistakes.