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 Palo Alto teachers included, "As student myself, I was invisible in history all throughout school. I was never told I was inferior by teachers, but the message was implied, reinforced and never corrected. The only rich or meaningful history about African Americans came from stories told by my family. What greatness are we sequestering in young minds by shielding them from the truth?" and "This is not a choice. The truth must be taught".
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 |
|---|---|
| Becky Brewer | This is not a choice. The truth must be taught. |
| Cristina Carella | Being in the business of shaping and molding minds, future generations must to be taught the truth about our nation's history so that our country can stand a chance at racial and social justice and healing. |
| Danitra Nash | As student myself, I was invisible in history all throughout school. I was never told I was inferior by teachers, but the message was implied, reinforced and never corrected. The only rich or meaningful history about African Americans came from stories told by my family. What greatness are we sequestering in young minds by shielding them from the truth? |
| Emer Martin | Don't bully teachers. This country must change to allow all of its citizens to thrive. |
| Michelle Yee | No comment |
| Prerana Jayakumar | No comment |
| Tedi Mills | Limiting the discussions teachers are allowed to facilitate in a classroom diminishes everyone. |
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