The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 17, the day before. It now has five pledges from Edmonds 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 Edmonds teachers included, "Youth want to know the truth. They thirst for diverse perspectives, they want to have the freedom to inquire about events and people that have influenced the history of this country, both negatively and positively. Learning the real truth, the fact-based truth can be difficult to understand for a young person but when the truth is taught and honestly discussed then change is possible. Denying the teaching of real history is denying the right of equity in education" and "I believe that students and colleagues need to think critically about our past. Our history is so rich and we need to be open to examining our past through the eyes of race to discover the systemic racism that effects us today".
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 |
|---|---|
| Alicia Wilson | I believe that students and colleagues need to think critically about our past. Our history is so rich and we need to be open to examining our past through the eyes of race to discover the systemic racism that effects us today. |
| Christine Den Adel | We have to teach truth! |
| Judy McCoid | We need to teach the truth about our history to live up to our founding ideals. |
| Julie Cobb-Cooper | I am appalled by state legislatures criminalizing accurate instruction and conversation about our history and the ongoing systemic problems because of this history. I want future Americans to have accurate information, & an environment where they can challenge and debate. |
| Mc Horrigan | Youth want to know the truth. They thirst for diverse perspectives, they want to have the freedom to inquire about events and people that have influenced the history of this country, both negatively and positively. Learning the real truth, the fact-based truth can be difficult to understand for a young person but when the truth is taught and honestly discussed then change is possible. Denying the teaching of real history is denying the right of equity in education. |
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