The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 21, the day before. It now has 13 pledges from Greenville 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 Greenville teachers included, "I am against we not teaching the truth about the US history to our children. Omitting facts about racism, sexism and any sort of discrimination makes us vulnerable to make the same mistakes again" and "Academic freedom and truth are essential for a free and equitable society".
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 |
|---|---|
| Ashleigh Howard | No comment |
| Catherine Holub-Ward | No comment |
| Erica Sturdevant | I believe teaching our students authentic history is a long time coming. |
| Felipe De Araujo | I am against we not teaching the truth about the US history to our children. Omitting facts about racism, sexism and any sort of discrimination makes us vulnerable to make the same mistakes again. |
| James Campbell | No comment |
| Jessy Bppn | No comment |
| Katie Kelly | No comment |
| Katie Kelly | I am committed to teaching and learning about equity and justice. |
| Katie Kelly | We must teach accurate and history and not the white washed curriculum that ignores our country's problems if we want to ever overcome them and live in a society where there is liberty for all. |
| Mary Beckloff | No comment |
| Michael Svec | No comment |
| Paul Thomas | Academic freedom and truth are essential for a free and equitable society |
| Paul Thomas | truth matters. |
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