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 Dover teachers included, "It is only through teaching and understanding our nation's full history that we can even hope that there will be a brighter future for all" and "I am signing my name because too many people learned about Tulsa via HBO's Watchmen. I'm signing because learning our *true* history makes us better citizens (and better humans). I'm signing because I don't think politicians should dictate what happens in classrooms".
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 |
---|---|
Rachel Miller | It is only through teaching and understanding our nation's full history that we can even hope that there will be a brighter future for all. |
Sherry Frost | I am signing my name because too many people learned about Tulsa via HBO's Watchmen. I'm signing because learning our *true* history makes us better citizens (and better humans). I'm signing because I don't think politicians should dictate what happens in classrooms. |