The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 28, the day before. It now has 13 pledges from Chandler 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 Chandler teachers included, "These restrictive laws are antithetical to education. They are an attempt to overlook/excuse terrible behavior on the part of previous generations of the ruling class. They ignore/suppress genuine contributions of women & minorities, as well as minimize what they’ve suffered along the way. Hiding truth doesn’t eliminate it" and "Education purpose, from the beginning of public education, focused on informed citizenry. Restricting that promotes suppression and oppression. As an instructor of literature and the humanities, history informs our understanding of literature and the humanities and being restricted from learning full truth of American history restricts the understanding of the world and everything related to humanity. People who are trying to oppress education should be ashamed of themselves".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amy Shinabarger | No comment |
| Angela Thomas | No comment |
| Anna Cicero | We have too many decision makers fearful of the truth! America is beautiful even with mistakes of the past but, to continue to not take responsibility for our mistakes is tragic and students deserve better. Certain Americans continue to be racist and that's their choice but, don't impose on children lies that continue to add to racism. Sad time in the US! |
| Audra Johnson | No comment |
| Beth Herbert | No comment |
| Deanna Celaya | We need to present the truth. |
| James Wallace | The truth matters. Kids shouldn't be lied to and I am not a liar. U.S. citizens should know the facts about how and why our country was developed and what has gotten us to this point in time. All of the historical facts should be taught ..... the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly. |
| Judith Simons | These restrictive laws are antithetical to education. They are an attempt to overlook/excuse terrible behavior on the part of previous generations of the ruling class. They ignore/suppress genuine contributions of women & minorities, as well as minimize what they’ve suffered along the way. Hiding truth doesn’t eliminate it. |
| Julia Palazzi | No comment |
| Melanie Ohm | No comment |
| Rachel Kulik | No comment |
| Shasta Payne | No comment |
| Teri Moser | Education purpose, from the beginning of public education, focused on informed citizenry. Restricting that promotes suppression and oppression. As an instructor of literature and the humanities, history informs our understanding of literature and the humanities and being restricted from learning full truth of American history restricts the understanding of the world and everything related to humanity. People who are trying to oppress education should be ashamed of themselves. |
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