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 Shawnee teachers included, "Students must be taught the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it makes people" and "Silence is not neutral. Silence perpetuates the inequitable status quo. If we can’t say what racism is, then how do we stop what racism does?".
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 |
|---|---|
| Donna Sayman | I will never, ever keep true and factual information from my students simply because I am afraid they might get their feelings hurt |
| Joylyn Weikum | Silence is not neutral. Silence perpetuates the inequitable status quo. If we can’t say what racism is, then how do we stop what racism does? |
| Michele Gaston | Because history is not negotiable. Whether it be the Indians the slaves racismEtc. Children should be taught the truth. “Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.” Edmund Burke |
| Nicole Dobronski | the truth is the truth. Altering history makes liars of us all and puts us a step closer to re-committing the mistakes of the past. I will not take part in that future. |
| Zach Dewoody | Students must be taught the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it makes people. |
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