The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 14, the day before. It now has five pledges from Kirkland 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 Kirkland teachers included, "Students need to be taught HOW to think not WHAT to think! It is my job as am educator to provide my students with accurate information and to allow them to make up their own minds" and "I believe that the entire truth of history needs to be taught to all students".
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 |
|---|---|
| Leilani Verango | I learn, teach, and advocate against systemic racism. |
| Leslie Harris-Johnston | No comment |
| Leslie Harris-Johnston | I believe that the entire truth of history needs to be taught to all students. |
| Randall Huberman | Students need to be taught HOW to think not WHAT to think! It is my job as am educator to provide my students with accurate information and to allow them to make up their own minds. |
| Susan Cedar | My son's life depends on everyone knowing and understanding how racism works, what keeps it in place, and how to undo it. |
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