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 Plainfield teachers included, "we need to bring people forward to be more understanding and accepting of all people. We have to stop the lies and continued cover up of past atrocities. The rewriting of history needs to be corrected. The evidence needs to be shared so the real history can be taught. By starting with the truth at the younger generations, all of us can hopefully bring along the older groups" and "The truth is worth fighting for".
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 |
|---|---|
| Christopher Michel | we need to bring people forward to be more understanding and accepting of all people. We have to stop the lies and continued cover up of past atrocities. The rewriting of history needs to be corrected. The evidence needs to be shared so the real history can be taught. By starting with the truth at the younger generations, all of us can hopefully bring along the older groups. |
| Debra Stoleroff | No comment |
| Philip Lensi | The truth is worth fighting for |
| Rebecca Yahm | No comment |
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