The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 12, the day before. It now has 15 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, "It is our responsibility as educators to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to participate fully in our democracy and openingly address the challenges of our society. This includes providing space for young people of ALL ages to think critically, to question injustice, to distinguish fact from misinformation, and to explore a variety of diverse perspectives. Lessons that are intentionally anti-bias, anti-racist, and focused on respectfully discussing the truth of history are essential. I refuse to lie to my students" 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. |
| David Kettley | The truth has been hidden too long. It is past time for everyone to acknowledge the truth about our history as United States citizens, and as citizens of the World. |
| Deatrice Childs | Truth is what can bring forth growth as a nation. |
| Erica Conwell | We need to be able to share the different stories that has helped shape our nation. As well as help students understand how things within our society has effected us from the past and continues to influence things that are happening today in our society. "You don't know where you are going until you know where you have been." We will be doomed to repeat the same mistakes if we are not able to teach history through multiple perspectives. |
| Erin Boyce | Without teaching the truth, we are allowing history to repeat itself and worst of all, not providing our students the opportunity to analyze history and think critically on their own |
| 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. |
| Jane Barber | For too long 400 years our children have been brainwashed about. The history of the United States They need to learn the truth so it can be rectified I am incensed that so many states are trying to hide the truth. |
| Kimberly Ausman | I believe that all people need to be informed of the truth in order for society not to repeat it’s past. |
| Megan Ostedgaard | I believe in fully educating my students in the entire truth! |
| Miguel Ortega | our students deserve to be fully educated. And because our marginalized people deserve to have their humanity affirmed. |
| Myia Johnson | My students matter. Their families matter. It's wrong to cover up the truth. |
| Rebecca Walker | It is our responsibility as educators to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills necessary to participate fully in our democracy and openingly address the challenges of our society. This includes providing space for young people of ALL ages to think critically, to question injustice, to distinguish fact from misinformation, and to explore a variety of diverse perspectives. Lessons that are intentionally anti-bias, anti-racist, and focused on respectfully discussing the truth of history are essential. I refuse to lie to my students. |
| Scott Ramsey | No comment |
| Scott Ramsey | I grew up on lies |
| Tanya Solano | Know better! Do better! Our future depends on teaching the past accurately. |
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