No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Albany teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 8.
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| David Franklin | “no comment” |
| Catherine Livingston | “no comment” |
| Karen Levy | The true history of America must be taught, whether it includes, race, sexual orientation, gender and whatever else makes us unique. It is painful, as the truth often is, but it’s essential that the true history be told. As the mom of two adult biracial children, who are direct descendants of slaves, and grandma to two granddaughters, their history needs to be told. |
| Christine Kelle | As a teacher and a mother, I will never lie to or deceive any child. I will not promote dishonesty by falsifying history. I will continue to promote truth & justice vs. lies & betrayal. I will continue to work toward the complete dismantling of white supremacy & the rebuilding of a nation founded on truth & justice. Simply put, it is the right thing to do! |
| Casey Lecuyer | my students deserve to know the truth. |
| Brooke Degener | “no comment” |
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