No new teachers in Kalamazoo sign pledge on March 8 to teach Critical Race Theory

There were no new teachers in Kalamazoo who signed the pledge on March 8, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 7, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo teachers included, “Education is the backbone of our lives, we need education that is accurate and empowering. How we can change people is through education” and “I believe in sharing the full story of our nation’s heritage. As a motherscholar, teacher, and pre-service educator, I pledge that I will not hide the truth in my home or classroom”.

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.”