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 Forest Lake teachers included, "I make this pledge because only the truth will allow us to make progress as a nation, as a community, and as individuals. As the saying goes, "Those who do not understand history are condemned to repeat it" and "Our students have the right to know the truth about their past in hopes of making a better future".
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 |
|---|---|
| Marina Konold | Our students have the right to know the truth about their past in hopes of making a better future. |
| Matt Gockowski | As difficult as it may be to both acknowledge as educators and to hear as students, the only way to move forward as a society is to teach the hard truths about our country and find ways to do better for our future. |
| Reid Fore | I make this pledge because only the truth will allow us to make progress as a nation, as a community, and as individuals. As the saying goes, "Those who do not understand history are condemned to repeat it. |
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