The pledge was signed by four teachers the month before. It now has four pledges from Harvey teachers by June.
They are 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 |
---|---|
Emilie Hansel | My students deserve truth...not textbook "truth" |
Emilie Hansel | I am a white teacher in a high needs school. I get a lot of push back and harassment from fellow educators in my building who hold deep set racist views and treat students accordingly. I am also bullied, demoralized and demeaned by my fellow educators for teaching the truth. |
Emilie Hansel | My students deserve and educator who is brave to teach the truth even when bullied by other teachers for doing so and even losing jobs for teaching it. |
Tenille Wright | I know the difference teaching the truth can make and inspire the youth. |