No new teachers in Kalamazoo sign pledge on March 7 to teach Critical Race Theory

By Kalamazoo Times

Mar 9, 2022

There were no new teachers in Kalamazoo who signed the pledge on March 7, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 6, 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 "Everyone deserves to know the TRUTH of the history of the United States and beyond. It only breeds "isms" and entitlement when facts are kept out".

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 in Kalamazoo who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Brianne Pitts	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.
Don Cooney	No comment
Kara Applegate	Education is the backbone of our lives, we need education that is accurate and empowering. How we can change people is through education.
Kellen Deau	No comment
Melissa James	The truth always matters.
Michelle Wilson-Banks	Everyone deserves to know the TRUTH of the history of the United States and beyond. It only breeds "isms" and entitlement when facts are kept out.
Yvonne Unrau	It's essential to teach from facts and to support meaningful conversation about difficulty topics to support connection and shared humanity.