The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 26, the day before. It now has two pledges from Riverview 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 Riverview teachers included, "The truth deserves a hearing" and "Kids will not trust you again once they’ve learned you lied to them. More importantly our history is our history, the good the bad and the ugly. It helps the next generation understand why we function the way we function and where exactly hate comes from. It is also important to highlight the brave individuals who fought for what was 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 |
---|---|
Melodie Biegaj | Kids will not trust you again once they’ve learned you lied to them. More importantly our history is our history, the good the bad and the ugly. It helps the next generation understand why we function the way we function and where exactly hate comes from. It is also important to highlight the brave individuals who fought for what was right. |
Yolanda Turner | The truth deserves a hearing |