The pledge was signed by 10 teachers the week before. It now has 11 pledges from Sarasota teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 22.
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 |
|---|---|
| Johnny Cakes | “no comment” |
| Bridget Ziegler | “no comment” |
| Amy Weinberger | For the record, CRT is a law school theory and we teachers have never taught it. This is just noise from white legislators and white people who feel threatened somehow about the truth to historical records. |
| Susan Cohen | Students need to be given all the facts on an age appropriate basis. Without a full explanation, students will be unable to make wise decisions, either now or in the future.Susan Cohen, retired teacher |
| Marcelle Crago | “no comment” |
| Jacqueline Roller | History must be taught. |
| Carol Lavallee | I teach only the truth! |
| Adriana Robledo | “no comment” |
| Adriana Robledo | It is an essential component of the immigration process that my students learn the true history of the U.S. |
| Jean Faulk | I do teach history, even what I call icky history. The students need to know. |
| Carol Lavallee | “no comment” |
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