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 Norwalk teachers included, "Hard history is essential to telling all stories for the future of our country. We need critical thinkers to advance our country in the 21st century" and "My students deserve to know that they play an important part of this country. They need to embrace their heritage, race, language, traditions, and beliefs and know that they can make a difference. Understanding the truth about our past is important for them to know, so they can learn from it and not let history repeat itself like we're currently experiencing right now with laws being passed on voting restrictions in so many states".
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 |
|---|---|
| Claudia Valles | My students deserve to know that they play an important part of this country. They need to embrace their heritage, race, language, traditions, and beliefs and know that they can make a difference. Understanding the truth about our past is important for them to know, so they can learn from it and not let history repeat itself like we're currently experiencing right now with laws being passed on voting restrictions in so many states. |
| Jennifer Pokorney | Hard history is essential to telling all stories for the future of our country. We need critical thinkers to advance our country in the 21st century. |
| Jennifer Pokorney | I believe that my job is to present facts from the multi perspective lens to allow students to critically think about right and wrong, just vs unjust, and facts vs opinion/bias. Students can draw their own conclusions but fairly and with empathy. |
| Meredith Fichman | The children deserve an honest education and a better future. |
| Naomi Lara | I believe in education for liberation and that means teaching the TRUTH. |
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