No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has seven pledges from Olympia teachers by the end of the week ending Dec. 18.
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| Tasa Marie | We cannot move forward with integrity if we cannot look back with honesty. |
| Annie Bailey | I will continue teaching the truth, and feel it's entirely inappropriate for politicians to try to dictate what teachers are or are not allowed to discuss with their students. |
| Jonathan Levy-Wolins | “no comment” |
| Kel Lane | I'm committed to sharing truths and exposing injustices with future generations |
| Loretta Terra Wilson | I will not lie to children who want to know true history. |
| Samantha Chandler | I take seriously my commitment to telling students THE TRUTH about our country. A few people benefit from the oppression of the many. It is the system we live in. We do not serve our students by denying the whole truth about America's existence. |
| Robyn Pape | “no comment” |
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