The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 3, the day before. It now has one pledge from Elk Grove teacher.
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 Elk Grove teacher wrote "I am the mother of black children who deserve representation and honesty in the classroom. As a white woman I wish I had not been in my 30s when I learned the truth about so many systems of oppression. As a teacher all of my students deserve to know the truth about history as well as feel our classroom is a safe and welcoming place for all!" 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 |
|---|---|
| Tessa Green | I am the mother of black children who deserve representation and honesty in the classroom. As a white woman I wish I had not been in my 30s when I learned the truth about so many systems of oppression. As a teacher all of my students deserve to know the truth about history as well as feel our classroom is a safe and welcoming place for all! |
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