The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 8, the day before. It now has 10 pledges from Oswego 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 Oswego teachers included, "All stories/voices of our nation's history need to be acknowledged, heard, and understood. Why is the truth so frightening?" and "Critical or not, racism is an issue in America and should be taught despite those who do not want to acknowledge it (consider those who viewed climate change and ecology as unreal or unnecessary...)".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amanda Fenlon | Our students need to be taught the truth about our history of systemic racism so they can help create a more just world. |
| Anne Fairbrother | We need to look at history honestly - seeing it from different perspectives - not just the "party line" that people are trying to impose on us. Tell the truth. We owe it to our young people so they have a chance to fix the mess we are in. |
| Barbara Beyerbach | I am committed to teaching for social justice. |
| Bonita Hampton | It’s not only ironic but unfortunate that we have people among us who would do anything, including passing Bills, to continue the perpetuation of an incomplete historical record, even though, like now, the truth (a more complete history) will out!! |
| Casey Towne | I teach students to use the process of statistics to collect, organize, summarize and analyze data. Viewing history through a statistical lens identifies discrepancies between historical fact and fiction all while providing critical thinking opportunities. |
| Christina Vasquez | Everyone should know the truth about the world we live in. We will only move forward when we truly understand our past actions. |
| Christine Hirsch | Critical or not, racism is an issue in America and should be taught despite those who do not want to acknowledge it (consider those who viewed climate change and ecology as unreal or unnecessary...) |
| Ritu Radhakrishnan | All stories/voices of our nation's history need to be acknowledged, heard, and understood. Why is the truth so frightening? |
| Ritu Radhakrishnan | Knowing the whole truth is the first step toward equity and justice. |
| Stephanie Krzeminski | No comment |
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