The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 26, the day before. It now has four pledges from Troutdale 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 Troutdale teachers included, "Truth is the only way to freedom" and "Teachers deserve the autonomy to make professional decisions about what they teach their students. Furthermore, teachers ought to be given the benefit of the doubt that when they are choosing to teach multiple perspectives that's exactly what they are doing. Indoctrination that has been happening through traditional curriculum is exactly what this work goes against; every teacher should be empowered through all the resources at their disposal to teach critical reading, writing, listening, and thinking to their students from different perspectives across the curriculum".
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 |
|---|---|
| Evan Selby | As an educator, it is imperative to teach the truth and dismantle white supremacy and institutionalized racism. Despite what racist, Republican legislatures do, I am committed to teaching Black Lives Matter and a People's History curriculum in my classroom. |
| Ronald May | The only way to change is to understand what is wrong. |
| Shannon McCarl | Truth is the only way to freedom. |
| Valerie Schiller | Teachers deserve the autonomy to make professional decisions about what they teach their students. Furthermore, teachers ought to be given the benefit of the doubt that when they are choosing to teach multiple perspectives that's exactly what they are doing. Indoctrination that has been happening through traditional curriculum is exactly what this work goes against; every teacher should be empowered through all the resources at their disposal to teach critical reading, writing, listening, and thinking to their students from different perspectives across the curriculum. |
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