The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 19, the day before. It now has four pledges from Lansdale 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 Lansdale teachers included, "The truth matters. Free speech matters. Speaking out matters" and "As history teachers it is our duty to speak the truth about our past - whether it be racism, sexism, xenophobia, patriarchy or privilege. It’s imperative we know this history - as well as the stories of resisters and agitators who knew what “liberty” and “freedom” meant, and fought to make those ideals a reality. The only way we can navigate the challenges we face today is to know where we have come from. Even when it’s hard, we teach the truth. As Amanda Gorman - poet and activist - said best “Being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.”".
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 |
|---|---|
| Brooke Bernardini | As history teachers it is our duty to speak the truth about our past - whether it be racism, sexism, xenophobia, patriarchy or privilege. It’s imperative we know this history - as well as the stories of resisters and agitators who knew what “liberty” and “freedom” meant, and fought to make those ideals a reality. The only way we can navigate the challenges we face today is to know where we have come from. Even when it’s hard, we teach the truth. As Amanda Gorman - poet and activist - said best “Being American is more than a pride we inherit. It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.” |
| Lorraine Curtis | I feel strongly that to be a good, solid, patriotic member of our society, it is essential to have an understanding of all the movements and belief systems that are divisive and discriminatory. |
| Patricia Fleetwood | the truth matters. |
| Patricia Fleetwood | The truth matters. Free speech matters. Speaking out matters. |
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