The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 17, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood teachers included, "When I teach the truth my students ask, why hasn’t anyone taught me this before? Everyone should know the truth. I Will never stop teaching the full story, using the laws, the words of the people, data…I will not be one of those people who teach lies" and "The ten year olds in my classroom deserve to know that every story, including history, is told from someone's point of view".
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 |
|---|---|
| Danielle Sanders | It’s time to tel the truth and start to heal. |
| Jennifer Fought | It is the right thing to do. Students need to see all perspectives and facts about history. I respect my students too much to lie to them. |
| Jessica Janicki | The ten year olds in my classroom deserve to know that every story, including history, is told from someone's point of view. |
| Kyra Rengstorf | No comment |
| Mark Potoshnik | I believe in the importance of learning our true history. Positive and Negative aspects of our country. |
| Melody Schneider | When I teach the truth my students ask, why hasn’t anyone taught me this before? Everyone should know the truth. I Will never stop teaching the full story, using the laws, the words of the people, data…I will not be one of those people who teach lies |
| Michael Carter | No comment |
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