The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 23, the day before. It now has four pledges from Woodbridge 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 Woodbridge teachers included, "The truth will set you free" This has become a cliche but it is still true. We cannot begin to heal this country operating on the basis of lies, misunderstandings and half-truths. People have already died because of the practice of hiding the truth. More continue to suffer because of the lies already told. So many people who will never reach their true potential because their belief in misinformation tells them they can't" and "lies about "critical race theory" are being used by reactionary politicians in my state and nationwide to fire up the base of some of our most reactionary politicians; "collateral damage" will be children, families, teachers and the nation".
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 |
|---|---|
| Ashley Cuthbertson | Our students deserve the truth |
| Emile Schepers | lies about "critical race theory" are being used by reactionary politicians in my state and nationwide to fire up the base of some of our most reactionary politicians; "collateral damage" will be children, families, teachers and the nation. |
| Lauren Hill | This is long overdue and needs to happen. The amount of my students who tell me " Why DIDN'T I learn this in school?" " Why did I have to learn this in college?" is unending. |
| Wendy Curry | The truth will set you free" This has become a cliche but it is still true. We cannot begin to heal this country operating on the basis of lies, misunderstandings and half-truths. People have already died because of the practice of hiding the truth. More continue to suffer because of the lies already told. So many people who will never reach their true potential because their belief in misinformation tells them they can't. |
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