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 Gresham teacher wrote "I believe in truth and and I am not afraid to have difficult conversations about the horrors and injustices of our past in order to raise the next generation as more critically thinking young adults. Sharing accurate information about US history and the indignities perpetrated by those who cling to power is my duty as an American and an educator" 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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
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Kerry Muntz | I believe in truth and and I am not afraid to have difficult conversations about the horrors and injustices of our past in order to raise the next generation as more critically thinking young adults. Sharing accurate information about US history and the indignities perpetrated by those who cling to power is my duty as an American and an educator. |