No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Arlington 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 Arlington teachers included “It is time to align the public school curriculum with the truth. As the world evolves and more about our world and our history is revealed, we must be intentional about presenting this information and providing these resources to our students.” and “We cannot hide from our own history; my students deserve the right to be informed about their nation's past; to form their own opinions free from bias and agenda; to recognize their teachers are unafraid to pursue difficult conversations; to be part of the racial reckoning this country so acutely requires; to raise their own children in a land which seeks to reconcile rather than repudiate.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Andy Paparella | I will continue to teach facts that show the complex truth about America’s past and present so that students are responsibly informed to develop a better future. |
| Symone Walker | “no comment” |
| Stephanie Hammel | Racism is real today and can be traced back to the foundation of the United States which was built on white supremacist ideas. More information about this historical truth leads to action, not guilt. |
| Douglas Burns | We cannot hide from our own history; my students deserve the right to be informed about their nation's past; to form their own opinions free from bias and agenda; to recognize their teachers are unafraid to pursue difficult conversations; to be part of the racial reckoning this country so acutely requires; to raise their own children in a land which seeks to reconcile rather than repudiate. |
| Lisa Labella | It is time to align the public school curriculum with the truth. As the world evolves and more about our world and our history is revealed, we must be intentional about presenting this information and providing these resources to our students. |
| Patty Tuttle | censorship allows fascism to spread. I will not take part in an effort to destroy democracy. |
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