The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 20, the day before. It now has two pledges from Fort Lee 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 Fort Lee teachers included, "Truth and integrity should never be feared. Why are you afraid? The children should be honored and trusted with the truth. Integrity, respect, and genuine care for our humanity naturally lead to freedom, which is under attack with these bills that are based on fear of that which makes us all so powerful together. Truth. Integrity. Facing our own history, owning it, repairing, and improving. Don't be afraid. Educate yourselves! You owe it to your constituents, children, future generations, and the country" and "I am signing my name because it is so very important to teach students more than one point of view in history. History isn't seen exclusively from one group of people. The students need to know that there are other sides to our past and that everyone's voice or actions need to be heard and seen".
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 |
|---|---|
| Maria Pflanz | Truth and integrity should never be feared. Why are you afraid? The children should be honored and trusted with the truth. Integrity, respect, and genuine care for our humanity naturally lead to freedom, which is under attack with these bills that are based on fear of that which makes us all so powerful together. Truth. Integrity. Facing our own history, owning it, repairing, and improving. Don't be afraid. Educate yourselves! You owe it to your constituents, children, future generations, and the country. |
| Stephen Wolowitz | I am signing my name because it is so very important to teach students more than one point of view in history. History isn't seen exclusively from one group of people. The students need to know that there are other sides to our past and that everyone's voice or actions need to be heard and seen. |
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