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 Hammond teachers included, "too many people have only been taught one side of the story. Students need to know about the mistakes that have been made and the crimes that have been committed and the struggles that people have experienced so that we can build a better future" and "If we speak the truth--the same reason it's being opposed--we will reduce racism".
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 |
|---|---|
| Anita Cox | Facing the truth is what will help heal the wounds of our country and improve equity in our society. Telling ugly lies divides us and strengthens racism |
| Anita Cox | too many people have only been taught one side of the story. Students need to know about the mistakes that have been made and the crimes that have been committed and the struggles that people have experienced so that we can build a better future. |
| David Detmer | If history has taught us anything clearly, it has taught us that it is not a good idea to let politicians dictate what is, and is not, accurate history. |
| Debra Cusick | If we speak the truth--the same reason it's being opposed--we will reduce racism. |
| Paul Wagner | I refuse to be forced into teaching white supremacist "history". If you can't take the truth, go somewhere else. |
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