The pledge was signed by no teachers on April 20, the day before. It now has two pledges from Herndon 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 Herndon teachers included, "each student deserves a complete education that includes critically examining difficult topics" and "It is imperative that students know the true history of this country and all the injustices past and present perpetrated against BIPOC people. Our goal should be equity, inclusion, and JUSTICE for all".
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 |
---|---|
Adjoa Burrowes | It is imperative that students know the true history of this country and all the injustices past and present perpetrated against BIPOC people. Our goal should be equity, inclusion, and JUSTICE for all. |
Christopher Gannon | each student deserves a complete education that includes critically examining difficult topics. |