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 Maynard teacher wrote "I am standing in solidarity with teachers and students in at least 12 states where lawmakers are passing or attempting to pass bills to limiting how teachers can talk to students about racism, sexism and many other forms of oppression that are part of our current society and built into the history of our country and still determine whose history is even taught." 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. 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 |
|---|---|
| Nicole Fernald | I am standing in solidarity with teachers and students in at least 12 states where lawmakers are passing or attempting to pass bills to limiting how teachers can talk to students about racism, sexism and many other forms of oppression that are part of our current society and built into the history of our country and still determine whose history is even taught. |
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