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 Santa Monica teachers included, "I am determined to teach truth to power and make sure my students will find themselves in my courses" and "I pledge to teach the truth".
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 |
|---|---|
| Catherine Ramos | in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."Students need to learn hard truths about history and current events so we do not keep repeating the same injustices. Our children need to be anti-racist allies and agents of change. |
| Gail Livings | I am determined to teach truth to power and make sure my students will find themselves in my courses. |
| Glenn Sato | No comment |
| Shelly Ehrke | No comment |
| Shelly Ehrke | I pledge to teach the truth. |
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