The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 3, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis teachers included, "I will not whitewash history in my classroom. We have the responsibility to teach students, even in elementary, the truth of racism in this country. The recent banning of books in many states is a grim reminder that there are large populations trying to hide the true history from students, and trying to take away important representation of cultures" and "My students deserve to hear the truth about history because their ancestors lived it and this is how we repair and progress as a country and community".
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 |
|---|---|
| Claire Watne | No comment |
| Emily Schmeling-Fremder | I will not whitewash history in my classroom. We have the responsibility to teach students, even in elementary, the truth of racism in this country. The recent banning of books in many states is a grim reminder that there are large populations trying to hide the true history from students, and trying to take away important representation of cultures. |
| Frances Gibson | My students deserve to hear the truth about history because their ancestors lived it and this is how we repair and progress as a country and community. |
| Jen Alton | No comment |
| Jessica Crawford | I value the truth and shedding light on the wrongs around us so that we may all live in a more just society. |
| Maija Whitegon | No comment |
| Raina Williams | No comment |
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