No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Montebello teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 22.
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.
The new Montebello teacher wrote “If we are truly committed to creating a "more perfect union" and treating people equally then it must begin in the classrooms by teaching/exposing our youth to the truth.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Angela Chong | There is no way that you can understand the present without fully understanding history. Students of color already know the reality and by not being honest and real they won't activily engage in their education. |
| Eddie Lopez | If we are truly committed to creating a "more perfect union" and treating people equally then it must begin in the classrooms by teaching/exposing our youth to the truth. |
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