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 Gaithersburg teachers included, "We can't move forward if we don't know where we've been. Obfuscating our past because it isn't pretty is exactly what keeps people repressed" and "Racism and its ongoing effects may not be my fault, but it is my responsibility to make things right".
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 |
|---|---|
| Christina Sheppard | No comment |
| Elissa Waldman | Racism and its ongoing effects may not be my fault, but it is my responsibility to make things right |
| Joshua Rubin | We can't move forward if we don't know where we've been. Obfuscating our past because it isn't pretty is exactly what keeps people repressed. |
| Katherine Rodgers | No comment |
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