No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Benicia teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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.
The new Benicia teacher wrote “ALL students deserve to know the real history of our country - and ALL students will benefit from a Truth-telling curriculum. By knowing the history as it really was we will be less likely to repeat the tragedies of the past.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Peggy Fulton | Every human needs ‘their’story to be told. All of us deserve to hear the truth of others. |
| Lindsey Daems | I believe in the truth. |
| Andrea Ward | “no comment” |
| Henry Sun | “no comment” |
| Michell Redfoot | “no comment” |
| Jane Vranicar-Lewis | ALL students deserve to know the real history of our country - and ALL students will benefit from a Truth-telling curriculum. By knowing the history as it really was we will be less likely to repeat the tragedies of the past. |
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