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 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Maija Whitegon | No comment |
| Mary Cullen | The truth is our only way out of this. These students are the generation Crazy Horse prophesied about, we must guide them: “The red nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for a sick world: a world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations; a world longing for light again. I see a time of seven generations when all the colors of mankind with gather under the sacred tree of life and the whole Earth will become one circle again.”– Tȟašúŋke Witkó (Crazy Horse), Oglala Lakota Leader (1840-1877 |
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