The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 6, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Ypsilanti 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 Ypsilanti teachers included, "Withholding information from my students is lying by omission. I will not respect or follow laws designed to restrict educators from focusing on select historical events. High school students deserve the truth" and "Teaching does not mean indoctrinating. Forcing people to only teach one limited perspective is the real indoctrination. Fascist, racist educational restrictions are the sign of desperation. I reject small-mindedness. I respect that kids are not idiots and can learn that more than one thing can be true at once. America can be founded on racism and inherently racist and you can still live your country. I could go on, but the point is these laws are stupid and need to be opposed and resisted at every turn".
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 |
|---|---|
| Andrea Adams | By passing these bills, governments are attempting to rewrite or erase history which provides insight to the social injustice of today. My job as an educator is not only to give information, but to challenge students to analyze situations, discuss and collaborate with others about difficult issues, and prepare to be leaders in the future. We do not accomplish this by starting with lies. |
| Azhar McNeal | It is a just and righteous cause! I have responsibility endowed by my Creator (Allah) to teach the truth. |
| Brian Burak | Teaching does not mean indoctrinating. Forcing people to only teach one limited perspective is the real indoctrination. Fascist, racist educational restrictions are the sign of desperation. I reject small-mindedness. I respect that kids are not idiots and can learn that more than one thing can be true at once. America can be founded on racism and inherently racist and you can still live your country. I could go on, but the point is these laws are stupid and need to be opposed and resisted at every turn. |
| Ellen Copeland | I believe in the teaching of the truth the complete and unblemished truth |
| John Porter | History should be independent of current political revisions. |
| Mark Lowe | Withholding information from my students is lying by omission. I will not respect or follow laws designed to restrict educators from focusing on select historical events. High school students deserve the truth. |
| Susan Hofbauer | It is important for all students to understand our history. |
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