The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 4, the day before. It now has four pledges from Aurora 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 Aurora teachers included, "Students in all school settings deserve (and need to know) the truth about the history of the United States. Literature should reflect the diversity we see in our nation, no matter where someone attends school. We have a unique opportunity, as educators, to teach our students to be citizens and humans than previous generations" and "I refuse to lie to my students. I didn’t learn the truth about US Historybwhen I was growing up. However, I know better and now I will do better".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amy Bernick | Students in all school settings deserve (and need to know) the truth about the history of the United States. Literature should reflect the diversity we see in our nation, no matter where someone attends school. We have a unique opportunity, as educators, to teach our students to be citizens and humans than previous generations. |
| Jamie Logan | I refuse to lie to my students. I didn’t learn the truth about US Historybwhen I was growing up. However, I know better and now I will do better. |
| Kimberly Ausman | I believe that all people need to be informed of the truth in order for society not to repeat it’s past. |
| Scott Ramsey | I grew up on lies |
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