No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has seven pledges from Athens teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 new Athens teachers included “I am not a bad person.” and “We are a great and imperfect country. Our aspirations are greater than our accomplishments to reach our aspirations, though, young people need to know the whole of our history so that they can be the change we need to be truly exceptional”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Megan Rose | There are currently two bills in the state of Ohio legislature, 322 & 327, that are seeking to limit how to teach history to student. I want to make sure that all students are taught through a multicultural perspective they tells all sides of specifically United States History. Ohio is among at least 22 states that have passed or are considering laws that set limits on how teachers can frame American history. |
| Ivars Balkits | Education should not be propaganda but truth. |
| John Schmieding | All of us, of every race, will have better lives if our relationships, organizations, and our country are rooted in an understanding of history and a commitment to learning. |
| James Salzman | We are a great and imperfect country. Our aspirations are greater than our accomplishments to reach our aspirations, though, young people need to know the whole of our history so that they can be the change we need to be truly exceptional |
| Christopher Wingett | I am not a bad person. |
| Mara Giglio | “no comment” |
| Esther Hilliard | Teaching students the truth about our history and current inequities is the only way to address them and move forward towards our country’s great goal of equality for all. |
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