The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 24, the day before. It now has three pledges from Annandale 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 Annandale teachers included, "Unless we help our children understand our history, we will perpetuate racism in our systems and our society at large" and "The truth should be taught".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amy Schlessman | I believe in teaching students the truth and giving them skills to make a better world. |
| Andrea Sobel | Unless we help our children understand our history, we will perpetuate racism in our systems and our society at large. |
| Barbara Kline | The truth should be taught. |
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