The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 24, the day before. It now has 11 pledges from Portage 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 Portage teachers included, "Students deserve to see themselves and their history reflected in their curriculum. We do Black and Brown students harm by ignoring or denying the impact that systemic racism has on their daily lives. Educators must work to upend systems of oppression, not perpetuate them" and "Students deserve to be informed of all sides and have an open education!".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amber Dixon | Students deserve to be informed of all sides and have an open education! |
| Angela McMillan | a ban on teaching the truth about the role of racism, sexism, heterosexism, and oppression only leads to more racism, sexism, heterosexism, and oppression, and that is unacceptable. |
| Ann Lamble | True history is important! So many stories are not being told! Kids are so much more intelligent than the average adult thinks they are! |
| Ashley Bowen | my students matter and education is power! |
| Ashley Offidani | No comment |
| Carlee Stoker | No comment |
| Jeanne Friedman | Students have a right to the truth |
| Joanne Walters | It is essential that accurate facts are reported regarding history. |
| Kate Phipps | I believe students need to learn and understand the truth. |
| Pat Simpson | Students deserve to see themselves and their history reflected in their curriculum. We do Black and Brown students harm by ignoring or denying the impact that systemic racism has on their daily lives. Educators must work to upend systems of oppression, not perpetuate them. |
| Tina Bravata | I support telling the truth, identifying and understanding problems in our society, and to develop collective solutions to those problems. I believe change to our society is crucial to our existence. I believe we must come together in solidarity to move to a more just and inclusive society. |
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