The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 26, the day before. It now has two pledges from Vienna 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 Vienna teachers included, "Understanding how we got here is the only way we will move forward" and "The history of racism, sexism, and oppression of Native Peoples is this history of America as well as the story of exploration and the Immigrant experience. History is complicated and unfolding as we gain new insides into our past. I love this country and I refuse to whitewash it’s history. America is not about limiting its history to one perspective. Our strength lies in our striving to do better and be better".
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 |
|---|---|
| Deb Witt | Understanding how we got here is the only way we will move forward. |
| Mary Twellmann | The history of racism, sexism, and oppression of Native Peoples is this history of America as well as the story of exploration and the Immigrant experience. History is complicated and unfolding as we gain new insides into our past. I love this country and I refuse to whitewash it’s history. America is not about limiting its history to one perspective. Our strength lies in our striving to do better and be better. |
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