The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 21, the day before. It now has 11 pledges from Orange 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 Orange teachers included, "I believe in multiple perspectives. I am anti-racist. I believe change must come with the next generation" and "I believe children deserve the truth".
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 |
|---|---|
| Ary Nassiri | We need honest education for youth to help them understand their role in the world, how systems have lead to unfair treatment for people in need. |
| Brenda Andress | No comment |
| Erica Aguirre | No comment |
| Erica Aguirre | my students deserve a better future than the present we have given them. |
| Jan Osborn | We cannot become our best selves if we attempt to hide the truth of our past. |
| Nancy Watkins | I believe in multiple perspectives. I am anti-racist. I believe change must come with the next generation. |
| Norma Landeros | I am tired of the white man’s narrative. There are more stories to tell, more perspectives that need to be heard. |
| Peter McLaren | No comment |
| Peter Mullins | No comment |
| Peter Simi | I believe children deserve the truth |
| Rich Novack | We need a hypocratic oath. This is the closes thing I’ve swen. |
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