No new teachers in Olympia sign pledge on Feb. 13 to teach Critical Race Theory

By South Sound Times

Feb 15, 2022

There were no new teachers in Olympia who signed the pledge on Feb. 13, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 12, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Olympia 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 Olympia teachers included, "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" and "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".

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 in Olympia who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
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.
Robyn Pape	No comment
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.
Tasa Marie	We cannot move forward with integrity if we cannot look back with honesty.