The pledge was signed by eight teachers the week before. It now has nine pledges from Orange teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 22.
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Peter Simi | I believe children deserve the truth |
| Jan Osborn | We cannot become our best selves if we attempt to hide the truth of our past. |
| Peter McLaren | “no comment” |
| Peter Mullins | “no comment” |
| 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. |
| Erica Aguirre | “no comment” |
| 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. |
| Erica Aguirre | my students deserve a better future than the present we have given them. |
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