No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has four pledges from Arvada teachers by the end of the week ending March 12.
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.
The new Arvada teacher wrote “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.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Kristie Edwards | Because scientists like George Washington Carver can change a future! |
| 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. |
| James Crider | “no comment” |
| 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. |
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