No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has 25 pledges from St. Louis teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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 St. Louis teachers included “I am unable to detach myself as a Black woman and mother to being a Black educator. It is our reality. It is a vicious, known, clear, intentional and legislated history. It is indeed imperative that we teach our chidren the truth so that they can be the change we all need.” and “we are hiding the truth. Our children deserve 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 |
|---|---|
| Martha Jaegers | This history helps students understand the roots of inequality today and gives them the tools to shape a just future. |
| Christina Salmo | “no comment” |
| Pyper Dee | “no comment” |
| Maye Bryant | “no comment” |
| Hugh Janus | I am proud to be joining this elite group of teachers who will not distinguish between political theory and truth and will not be bothered with the niceties of logic or rational thought. Untie! |
| Jennifer Enserink | “no comment” |
| Grace Hogan | Truth matters, and facts must be taught. Children deserve to learn our whole history. |
| Jason Spray | “no comment” |
| Ellie Desprez | Teaching our nation’s history and stories that help illustrate it comprehensively is a vital part of working toward a true democracy that enfranchises all citizens. |
| Jillian Miesen | Teaching history means teaching all of it. |
| Melissa H. Krause | History must be based in comprehensive fact, not just the cherry-picking of easy truths. |
| Stephen Werner | The future of America is in the hands of good teachers who are free to speak the truth! |
| Jillian Miesen | I will not whitewash history and hinder minority perspectives in my class. I will honor every voice and every history, just as primary and secondary sources report. |
| Martha Jaegers | “no comment” |
| Patricia Cliffe | Eliminating big parts of history/herstory is a lie. Children/Teens in Missouri deserve to know the full truth of history/herstory of the United States.Patty Cliffe, MSW |
| Heidi Kwentus | “no comment” |
| Melanie Duffner | Ignorance is dangerous. |
| Anna Kazanecki | “no comment” |
| Chris Winfrey | I strongly oppose any effort to whitewash history and to ban the teaching of concepts and ideas which challenge students to think for themselves, and to draw their own opinions.What Missouri legislators are attempting to do is to muzzle teachers, and to stifle intellectual freedom. |
| Melissa Dillon | I refuse to lie to my students and erase the oppression that has been perpetuated by the United States government that has had a direct impact on my students. |
| Elizabeth Herbert | History is a collection of truths, not a collection of lies. |
| Stacie Boren | Our history needs to be told correctly because we keep doing the same thing over and over - hate does not ever win. |
| Bethany Keller | “no comment” |
| Deborah Schmidt | “no comment” |
| Mary Bayer | “no comment” |
| Brendan Berkery | We cannot create a better world without acknowledging the mistakes of the past and present. |
| Aimee Loveless | I am an educator who believes in teaching the truth! |
| Samantha Tabb | “no comment” |
| Sarah Regan | “no comment” |
| Patricia Creek | Truth must always be told! As a teacher, once you know the truth, it is your responsibility to correct any misconceptions. |
| Tracy Wicker | we are hiding the truth. Our children deserve better. |
| Megan Wolfslau | Teaching kids to seek and understand diverse perspectives and honor truth will help us move forward in fulfilling the ideals set forth in our governing documents. |
| Marshata Caradine | I am unable to detach myself as a Black woman and mother to being a Black educator. It is our reality. It is a vicious, known, clear, intentional and legislated history. It is indeed imperative that we teach our chidren the truth so that they can be the change we all need. |
| Marshata Caradine | Our children MUST know the truth to change the trajectory of their life's journey. Because of BLACK PEOPLE they are, have been. |
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