Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Fairfax stagnates at five

By South Fairfax News

Mar 10, 2022

There were no new teachers in Fairfax who signed the pledge on March 8, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 7, the day before. It now has five pledges from Fairfax 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 Fairfax teachers included, "Teaching the truth liberates us all by understanding and knowing who we are and where we come from" and "The only way we can change the future for the better is by having honest conversations about the past".

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 in Fairfax who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Abigail Quinn	The only way we can change the future for the better is by having honest conversations about the past.
Brooke Bertholet	It is my professional obligation as an educator that I deliver to my students the truth regarding many historical issues that won't leave them unable to commit to their obligations as citizens in a truly democratic society.
Jennifer Monsalve	No comment
Rebecca Moericke	I pledge to teach the truth, because I will not minimize or make my student feel invisible. I will not participate in the whitewashing of our National history to promote the inequitable and unjust status quo. I will teach and affirm my students' identities, and protect and celebrate their voice. History should be the truth, not a work of fiction.
Renee Gokey	Teaching the truth liberates us all by understanding and knowing who we are and where we come from.