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 Arvada teachers included, "Students must know the truth about what really happened in history as well as how our economy and government works. I became a teacher because I learned a whitewashed, revisionist version of history and wanted to do better for my students" and "Because scientists like George Washington Carver can change a future!".
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 |
|---|---|
| James Crider | No comment |
| John Gallup | Limiting honesty in the the teaching of history destroys the value of our history and denies our students the sometimes painful reality of our past. |
| Kathy Zaleski | Students must know the truth about what really happened in history as well as how our economy and government works. I became a teacher because I learned a whitewashed, revisionist version of history and wanted to do better for my students. |
| Kristie Edwards | Because scientists like George Washington Carver can change a future! |
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