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 Schenectady teachers included, "The truth of our past mistakes must be spoken and taught so that we can heal as a nation - as a people - and we can become stronger and not divided - out of respect for those who have been wronged over the centuries and respect for our children" and "As a teacher of color, it is my responsibility to teach the truth even if this may entail a sense of discomfort. It is in the best interest of students to learn about their history and the perseverance needed to fight through the inequalities that still exist today".
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 |
|---|---|
| Carissa Smith | I believe that teaching students how to think critically about information is paramount to helping them develop as responsible adults. By limiting what teachers can and can't discuss with students in regards to racism, classicism, sexism, etc., only cripples their education and by extension leads to an ill-informed public. |
| Cesaera Pirrone | The truth of our past mistakes must be spoken and taught so that we can heal as a nation - as a people - and we can become stronger and not divided - out of respect for those who have been wronged over the centuries and respect for our children |
| Deirdre E. Delaney | No comment |
| Jessica Marley | The truth matters if we are to achieve liberation. |
| Shari Smith | As a teacher of color, it is my responsibility to teach the truth even if this may entail a sense of discomfort. It is in the best interest of students to learn about their history and the perseverance needed to fight through the inequalities that still exist today. |
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