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 Happy Valley teachers included, "I am appalled and heartbroken that politicians are doubling down on racism. I am more resolved than ever to not be complacent. I have used Teaching Tolerance resources for years as well as lessons from the Zinn Education Project. I listened to the 1619 Project, and it informs my teaching. It should not be the role of education to create uncritical patriots (although that is exactly what textbooks seem to aspire to). Education should shine a light on truth and invite children to think critically about history. I lived in North Carolina when a debate was going on about whether or not to teach slavery. That was over 10 years ago. We cannot allow this erasure to happen" and "no one told me the truth when I was a student and now having to unlearn lies told to me or truths never told".
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 |
|---|---|
| Anne Mulligan-Brinson | No comment |
| Cecilia Brunning | No comment |
| Katie Cunningham | No comment |
| Laurie Feola | I am appalled and heartbroken that politicians are doubling down on racism. I am more resolved than ever to not be complacent. I have used Teaching Tolerance resources for years as well as lessons from the Zinn Education Project. I listened to the 1619 Project, and it informs my teaching. It should not be the role of education to create uncritical patriots (although that is exactly what textbooks seem to aspire to). Education should shine a light on truth and invite children to think critically about history. I lived in North Carolina when a debate was going on about whether or not to teach slavery. That was over 10 years ago. We cannot allow this erasure to happen. |
| Lisa Staver | no one told me the truth when I was a student and now having to unlearn lies told to me or truths never told. |
| Sheryl Sargent | I won’t lie to children. They deserve truth. |
Alerts Sign-up