No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has seven pledges from Springfield teachers by the end of the week ending April 9.
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.
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Marie Keith | I have been teaching Social Justice at my school for five years now. I believe that our students have the right to learn about the truth. The point of teaching is to teach our students to think for themselves using critical thinking. |
| Gladys Franco | “no comment” |
| Brenna Kane | My students deserve the truth. Unjust and racist laws will not stop me from educating my students and telling them the entire history of our country - good AND bad. |
| Diane Ghedi | It’s the right thing to do |
| Melissa Bennett-Lafond | “no comment” |
| Chris Trevethan | I am a teacher, an educator. I work with learners who make changes for the better. Teachers ought to help not hinder. |
| Marie Keith | Our students need to know the truth! |
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