No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has five pledges from Springfield teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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 new Springfield teachers included “It’s the right thing to do” and “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.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| 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! |
| 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 |
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