The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 3, the day before. It now has six pledges from St. Louis 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 St. Louis teachers included, "Milton Mayer, in his book "They Thought They Were Free" showed the dangers of ignorance and misinformation and prejudice leading to Nazi Germany. In a country of "alternative facts" and when many Americans believe "The Big Lie" and doubt the need for masks and vaccinations -- when there are vituperative attacks on Board members and teachers, libraries and curriculum -- we are the defenders of democracy. A good year to teach Orwell's 1984. A good year to teach truth" and "Democracy is eroding due to lawmakers imposing restrictions on what can be taught and how to vote. This is unconstitutional and I refuse to be complicit in this attack on critical thinking and access to knowledge".
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 |
|---|---|
| Coff E. Break | No comment |
| Corinne Wenz | As a both a parent and a teacher, I know the feeling of wanting to do all I can to protect our children. This blindly leads us to believe if our children don't "see" the harsh reality they won't know it exist and live happily ever after. Though we are constantly telling our children to be honest. To live with integrity. To be a good person. How can we teach those lessons, but then lie about what their peers are living through. We must find a way to protect ALL children. We must be truthful in ALL aspects of life. It is only then we can you be safe. Lean into the discomfort. |
| Donna Cook | I committed to teaching the truth during my 25 year teaching career. I’ve since come to realize we left out so much of our history and often did not give students an accurate understanding of the systemic injustice and racism that has existed throughout American History. I stand with educators throughout our country who seek to teach the truth, to teach all of America’s story. |
| Edward Taylor | Milton Mayer, in his book "They Thought They Were Free" showed the dangers of ignorance and misinformation and prejudice leading to Nazi Germany. In a country of "alternative facts" and when many Americans believe "The Big Lie" and doubt the need for masks and vaccinations -- when there are vituperative attacks on Board members and teachers, libraries and curriculum -- we are the defenders of democracy. A good year to teach Orwell's 1984. A good year to teach truth. |
| Nancy Kuse | Democracy is eroding due to lawmakers imposing restrictions on what can be taught and how to vote. This is unconstitutional and I refuse to be complicit in this attack on critical thinking and access to knowledge. |
| Whitney Crabtree | In order to heal our wounds, we must know the truth and recognize the pain our nation has caused its citizens both in the past and the present. |
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