No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has nine pledges from Detroit teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 new Detroit teachers included “I will not lie to my students to maintain white privilege. Growth rarely happens in comfort.” and “It is imperative that we teach the real history of this country.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Hugh Jass | I feel that it is important to teach the truth |
| Shauna Williams | It is ethically and educationally irresponsible for any teacher to be expected to teach a white washed version of the truth. Our children deserve to k ow all facets of our history. It is the only way to effect positive change in our history that has yet to be made. |
| Nathaniel Ketcham | “no comment” |
| Jen McMillan | “no comment” |
| Paul Thebert | I will not lie to my students to maintain white privilege. Growth rarely happens in comfort. |
| Paul Trombley | This is a major moment in our history and we must stand up for what is the truth. We strive at our school to be inclusive and to teach children to question and explore the world around them. We must set the foundation early on for children to be open and engaged in the world. |
| Carole Hosey | It is imperative that we teach the real history of this country. |
| Jodie Boehlke | How can we call ourselves educators if we teach lies and half truths? |
| Robert Buchta | Teaching first and foremost about telling the truth, even when some people don't want to face it. |
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