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 Vineland teachers included, "Honesty needs to be taught to young people to help them understand the inequalities that many have experienced. Cannot candy coat history. Teaching the truth will hopefully help avoid repeating the same mistakes" and "Students deserve to hear the full story and the factual truth about the history of our nation. Howard Zinn was inspirational to me and many others students. In his name, I will carry on with the teaching of history with full attention to all facets of our history. No child should receive an education in history that is short-circuited by politically biased propaganda. The truth is sometimes uncomfortable, but acknowledging it is essential".
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 |
|---|---|
| Louis Russo | Students deserve to hear the full story and the factual truth about the history of our nation. Howard Zinn was inspirational to me and many others students. In his name, I will carry on with the teaching of history with full attention to all facets of our history. No child should receive an education in history that is short-circuited by politically biased propaganda. The truth is sometimes uncomfortable, but acknowledging it is essential. |
| Robert Imperato | Honesty needs to be taught to young people to help them understand the inequalities that many have experienced. Cannot candy coat history. Teaching the truth will hopefully help avoid repeating the same mistakes. |
| Shawn Riggins | No comment |
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