The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 27, the day before. It now has eight pledges from Lancaster 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 Lancaster teachers included, "It’s important for all people to understand and hear the voices of everyone that makes up the United States and not just those who held power" and "Students deserve the truth. To give them anything but the truth will only result in distrust and confusion when they inevitably discover the real situation. It is a disservice and disrespectful to think our students cannot handle the truth. It is also problematic and a surefire way to ensure the continued oppression of marginalized people. Is that what we want? I don't".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amanda Schlee | Students deserve the truth. |
| Andrew Lavery | No comment |
| Barron Gardner | No comment |
| Billie Martin | It’s important for all people to understand and hear the voices of everyone that makes up the United States and not just those who held power. |
| Howard Hanson | we should never have to hide the truth about this country and the western civilization. |
| Lucia Reyes | Our kids deserve the truth |
| Tracy Smith | When we are brave enough to face the truth we break the toxic cycles of history. This is how we become a more perfect union. |
| Yvonne Miranda | Students deserve the truth. To give them anything but the truth will only result in distrust and confusion when they inevitably discover the real situation. It is a disservice and disrespectful to think our students cannot handle the truth. It is also problematic and a surefire way to ensure the continued oppression of marginalized people. Is that what we want? I don't. |
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