No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Shawnee teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 new Shawnee teachers included “I will never, ever keep true and factual information from my students simply because I am afraid they might get their feelings hurt” and “Students must be taught the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it makes people.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Donna Sayman | I will never, ever keep true and factual information from my students simply because I am afraid they might get their feelings hurt |
| Zach Dewoody | Students must be taught the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it makes people. |
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