The pledge was signed by one teacher the week before. It now has six pledges from Lafayette teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 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.
Comments from new Lafayette teachers included “…it is time we truly have “liberty and justice for all.” Our students need to know the truths of our history as a nation. When we know better, we can do better!” and “great teaching involves students using multiple perspectives to become great citizens.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Linda Yoki | It is both embarrassing and abhorrent to me that members of a state legislative body would vote for censoring our United States history and banning points of view that may be different from their own. Among even the most esteemed historians, discussion and debate exists sometimes with no resolution and both parties agreeing to disagree. Students must have practice with these same skills to truly benefit from learning history in the first place. How can a legislature vote to ban curricula? Who are they to decide what is history and what is not? Rescinding these laws that ban scholarly American points of view on racism and sexism is the only rectifying act that should be undertaken by states whose assemblies have enacted them. Remember civil debate and discussion, negotiation, and compromise is how people of varied opinions settle issues! |
| Jacob McIntyre | great teaching involves students using multiple perspectives to become great citizens. |
| Jeremy Bloyd | …it is time we truly have “liberty and justice for all.” Our students need to know the truths of our history as a nation. When we know better, we can do better! |
| Cindy Aubuchon | “no comment” |
| Josh De Lon | I became a social studies teacher to create effective and engaged citizens who can grapple with history and current events with critical thinking and compassion. |
| Dennise Grater | “no comment” |
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