The pledge was signed by no teachers on April 20, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara teachers included, "We teach about the darker aspects of our history not because we believe the country to be irredeemable as opponents charge, but because we along with our students can create the change to dismantle systemic oppression. Teaching a people's history that is honest fosters hope that we can fulfill the promise of America so everyone enjoys it regardless of who they are" and "I am a POC male immigrant to this country that refuses to let my students be lied to and gas light into this idea of American exceptionalism".
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 |
|---|---|
| Adrienne Ko | No comment |
| Dan Oh | We teach about the darker aspects of our history not because we believe the country to be irredeemable as opponents charge, but because we along with our students can create the change to dismantle systemic oppression. Teaching a people's history that is honest fosters hope that we can fulfill the promise of America so everyone enjoys it regardless of who they are. |
| Dana Lovecchio | My students are entitled to the truth |
| Fernando Trejo-Lozano | I am a POC male immigrant to this country that refuses to let my students be lied to and gas light into this idea of American exceptionalism. |
| Krista Woodward | I pledge to avoid causing harm to others. |
| Manki Wong | No comment |
| Sara Hackett | It is the only way. We need to do better, much better. |
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