No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has three pledges from Woodbridge teachers by the end of the week ending March 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 Woodbridge teachers included “Our students deserve the truth” and “"The truth will set you free" This has become a cliche but it is still true. We cannot begin to heal this country operating on the basis of lies, misunderstandings and half-truths. People have already died because of the practice of hiding the truth. More continue to suffer because of the lies already told. So many people who will never reach their true potential because their belief in misinformation tells them they can't.”.
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Emile Schepers | lies about "critical race theory" are being used by reactionary politicians in my state and nationwide to fire up the base of some of our most reactionary politicians; "collateral damage" will be children, families, teachers and the nation. |
| Ashley Cuthbertson | Our students deserve the truth |
| Wendy Curry | "The truth will set you free" This has become a cliche but it is still true. We cannot begin to heal this country operating on the basis of lies, misunderstandings and half-truths. People have already died because of the practice of hiding the truth. More continue to suffer because of the lies already told. So many people who will never reach their true potential because their belief in misinformation tells them they can't. |
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