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 Winthrop teachers included, "Our history is complex and multi-faceted. My students know this and expect me to be honest and open to sharing about history that reflects their diverse stories" and "The hard history of our past must be taught to our students in order to help us, as a country, move on to the better things that are yet to come. We need to heal the divide in our country and the healing begins with education".
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 |
|---|---|
| Joe Query | No comment |
| Kristin McLaren | Our history is complex and multi-faceted. My students know this and expect me to be honest and open to sharing about history that reflects their diverse stories. |
| Lee White | The hard history of our past must be taught to our students in order to help us, as a country, move on to the better things that are yet to come. We need to heal the divide in our country and the healing begins with education. |
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