The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 20, the day before. It now has four pledges from Gettysburg 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 Gettysburg teachers included, "although I am not (yet) being asked to lie to my own students (undergrads in Gettysburg, PA) I stand 100% with the educators in my town and elsewhere who are already being targeted for their commitment to teaching students the truth about oppression and injustice" and "All students are curious, thoughtful, and able to think for themselves. Teaching them about the history of the United States using primary sources and narratives from previously excluded voices will only make our nation stronger".
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 |
|---|---|
| Alisha Sanders | students deserve to fully understand the context of our nation's history. They cannot be sheltered from evidence that points to our nation's flaws simply because it may be painful to hear or difficult to understand. |
| Kathleen Byrne Heidecker | All students are curious, thoughtful, and able to think for themselves. Teaching them about the history of the United States using primary sources and narratives from previously excluded voices will only make our nation stronger. |
| Kathy Berenson | although I am not (yet) being asked to lie to my own students (undergrads in Gettysburg, PA) I stand 100% with the educators in my town and elsewhere who are already being targeted for their commitment to teaching students the truth about oppression and injustice. |
| Miessler R.C. | I stand with teachers in K-12 trying to teach our students how to be antiracist. |
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