The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 22, the day before. It now has five pledges from Stillwater 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 Stillwater teachers included, "Those who don’t teach history are doomed to repeat it. The way to end racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and all the other isms and phobias is to teach how being that way is harmful and how we can make better choices. I will always teach what is right and your immoral law won’t stop me" and "I am committed to developing "critical thinking that supports students to better understand [scientific] problems in our society, and to develop collective solutions to those problems [engineering]. [I am] for truth-telling, [discovering, uncovering, analyzing data and trends, investigating, asking questions, defining problems, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating in ways that advance scientific literacy and] that move us toward a more just society".
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 |
|---|---|
| Britney Mann | The truth matters. |
| Megan Ruby | Those who don’t teach history are doomed to repeat it. The way to end racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and all the other isms and phobias is to teach how being that way is harmful and how we can make better choices. I will always teach what is right and your immoral law won’t stop me. |
| Na Na | Teach those kids how evil Democrats are who started the KKK who lynched blacks, murdered black babies, and support endless wars that enrich politicians. Teach them how Democrats want to segregate our society and are bigoted. |
| Sarah Donovan | No comment |
| Stacy Bartlett | I am committed to developing "critical thinking that supports students to better understand [scientific] problems in our society, and to develop collective solutions to those problems [engineering]. [I am] for truth-telling, [discovering, uncovering, analyzing data and trends, investigating, asking questions, defining problems, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating and communicating in ways that advance scientific literacy and] that move us toward a more just society. |
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