The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 17, the day before. It now has nine pledges from Santa Fe 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 Fe teachers included, "Truth matters. It is the only way we can right our wrongs and heal our communities" and "We need to teach truth to our students. Anything less, and we will lose their trust. We need to respect their ability to think critically. Teaching our true history, as it unfolded through time, is that respect".
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 |
|---|---|
| Angela Gabriel | I feel like we’re rounding a bend toward a more just society and the powers that are in control want to keep it that way. The more they thrash around, bullying, and pressuring people to bend to their will, the more it shows how afraid they are of the truth. |
| Darlene Fortier | We need to teach truth to our students. Anything less, and we will lose their trust. We need to respect their ability to think critically. Teaching our true history, as it unfolded through time, is that respect. |
| Dixmarie Delaneuville | Children deserve better. We all do. |
| Jennifer J. Arlin | Truth matters. It is the only way we can right our wrongs and heal our communities. |
| Lisa Longeteig | No comment |
| Maureen Chase | No comment |
| Molly MacKinnon | I believe that this is the way to unravel the mess that was created and entrenched so long ago. And it’s the truth. |
| Sean O'Neil | Teaching US History without talking about racism is like teaching reading without talking about vowels. |
| Theresa Bess | “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”― James BaldwinI pledge to always continue to learn and use factual information to develop my understanding of the world around me. Children are human beings and they will lead our world into a more intelligent and kind way of living with each other, therefore students must be fully informed of the truth and reality of our U.S. history. |
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