No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Lee's Summit teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 14.
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 new Lee's Summit teacher wrote “My kids deserve to know history that was, not the history we wish was. Because our POC friends deserve better than the trash we have been taught” 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 |
|---|---|
| Jenn Mooney | Student deserve to see themselves in our history and these bills are trying to prevent many of our minority and oppressed students from having that opportunity. |
| Alisha Heafner | My kids deserve to know history that was, not the history we wish was. Because our POC friends deserve better than the trash we have been taught |
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