No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has five pledges from West Palm Beach teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 new West Palm Beach teachers included “I disagree with the laws our governor has put in place regarding history and critical race theory!” and “I am committed to being transparent with my students regarding the history of the United 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 |
|---|---|
| Ethel Kennedy | I disagree with the laws our governor has put in place regarding history and critical race theory! |
| Eric Volat | “no comment” |
| Aimee Trier | I believe we need to teach the whole truth - no matter how uncomfortable- so that we don’t make the same mistakes again!!!!! |
| Stephanie Melendez | As an educator of ethnic studies, it is so essential that I teach my students the true history of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people in the United States and the around the world. I will not stand down as legislators try to hid the truth from our students |
| Bradford Pazant | I am committed to being transparent with my students regarding the history of the United States. |
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