No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has three pledges from Murrieta teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 15.
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 new Murrieta teachers included “I see the pain my students suffer because of racism and bigotry in their community. They don’t feel safe. My silence makes it worse.” and “Sharing the stories of the unheard is vital to a complete understanding of history and in order to teach my students critical thinking they need all the facts”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Stacy Swenck | I see the pain my students suffer because of racism and bigotry in their community. They don’t feel safe. My silence makes it worse. |
| Charlotte Woosley | Sharing the stories of the unheard is vital to a complete understanding of history and in order to teach my students critical thinking they need all the facts |
| Chris Lindberg | “no comment” |
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