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 Waterford teachers included, "For far too long we have erased the accomplishments of people of color and erased atrocities of white people. I will not lie to students about the history of this country and its people. I will not teach students that white culture is the norm to aspire to" and "I want the students in my classroom to know the true history of the United States. It is our duty as educators to ensure that our youth is knowledgeable of the world they live in. The history of the Unites States of America is shown in the literature I will be teaching. By signing this petition, I want to make sure that my students are able to get the whole story".
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 |
|---|---|
| Allisynn Bengel | I want the students in my classroom to know the true history of the United States. It is our duty as educators to ensure that our youth is knowledgeable of the world they live in. The history of the Unites States of America is shown in the literature I will be teaching. By signing this petition, I want to make sure that my students are able to get the whole story. |
| Emily Halls | For far too long we have erased the accomplishments of people of color and erased atrocities of white people. I will not lie to students about the history of this country and its people. I will not teach students that white culture is the norm to aspire to. |
| Timothy McLaughlin | How can we learn and grow from our past and present without the truth? How can we gain perspective and shared understanding without engaging? Education is about learning. Students need to learn about history, politics, and society so they can create a better future. |
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