Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Shawnee stagnates at five

By Joco Today

Mar 14, 2022

There were no new teachers in Shawnee who signed the pledge on March 12, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 11, the day before. It now has five pledges from Shawnee 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 Shawnee teachers included, "I will never, ever keep true and factual information from my students simply because I am afraid they might get their feelings hurt" 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 in Shawnee who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

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.