No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Takoma Park teachers by the end of the week ending April 9.
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.
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Cristin Cash | history matters |
| Liana Smith | I am committed to teaching the truth and for making sure that my students -through education- are able to help create a society that is equitable and just for everyone. |
| Nicole Entwistle | I believe children need to learn the truth in order to change the racist systems our country is based upon. |
| Therese Gibson | Truth matters. Critical thinking matters. |
| Lynnly Tydings | “no comment” |
| Denise Jones | I'm committed to teaching about All peoples and the impacts of our actions on others as a way of strengthening community through increasing awareness. History includes all of our stories and perspectives and my work as a teaching artist can deepen learning, sharing, and build agency through knowledge. |
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