The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 4, the day before. It now has five pledges from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia teachers included, "My students deserve the truth about this nation's history, and no less" and "I represent my Black young people and people of color who have been denied access to the truth of the history of America's racist problem. I want my students to know the truth and be able to hold collegiate conversations around Critical Race Theory and America's racism. In addition, my students need to know how racism was embedded into the education and religious fabrics of the United States. So many twisted lies and hidden truths".
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 |
|---|---|
| John Brown | I represent my Black young people and people of color who have been denied access to the truth of the history of America's racist problem. I want my students to know the truth and be able to hold collegiate conversations around Critical Race Theory and America's racism. In addition, my students need to know how racism was embedded into the education and religious fabrics of the United States. So many twisted lies and hidden truths. |
| Krista Dalessandro | My students deserve the truth about this nation's history, and no less. |
| Kyle Apgar | No comment |
| Samuel Forman | All students deserve to know how their country works and how to participate in it. Knowing how we got here may not always be easy or pretty, but it is worth it to make America what it has always promised to be for EVERYONE. |
| Stephanie McKnight | No comment |
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