No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Toledo teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 new Toledo teachers included “What’s the point other than telling the truth to understand the present?” and “Critical thinking requires facts”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | “no comment” |
| Kimberlie Todd | Critical thinking requires facts |
| Chelsea Griffis | What’s the point other than telling the truth to understand the present? |
| Michael J. Buzene | “no comment” |
| Jessica Birch | This matters. Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it. |
| Sarah Bell | We have an obligation to bear witness to human experiences. Good and bad. I will not hide my students from truth. |
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