The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 13, the day before. It now has five pledges from Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville teachers included, "To not teach the complete truth is a lie and leads to ignorance. As we've seen, ignorance leads to hate. Education leads to understanding.The United States will only move forward as a country if we accept our full history. Without this knowledge, and acceptance, our democracy will continue to crumble" and "A full instruction on American history that includes imperfect and unjust decisions can help to address today's racial disparities".
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 |
|---|---|
| Anne Lindberg | the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them." Ida B Wells |
| Anne Schwartz | I teach my Kindergarten students how important it is for them to tell the truth. And in that vein, it is important that they are taught the truth of history. Maybe one day they will grow up to fight for social justice and create a world where truth matters. |
| Cindy Cartwright | To not teach the complete truth is a lie and leads to ignorance. As we've seen, ignorance leads to hate. Education leads to understanding.The United States will only move forward as a country if we accept our full history. Without this knowledge, and acceptance, our democracy will continue to crumble. |
| Valerie Bass | A full instruction on American history that includes imperfect and unjust decisions can help to address today's racial disparities. |
| Victor Luftig | Among the most important educational institutions in the United States today are the 1619 Project initiative of the New York Times, the Learning for Justice Curriculum of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Zinn Education Project, American children deserve first-rate educations, not obfuscations and lies. |
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