No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Kansas City teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 15.
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 new Kansas City teachers included “My students deserve to see themselves and their identities in the lessons being taught in my classroom and every classroom. Teaching about oppression and those who have worked to change oppressive structures empowers my students to think critically about what they want society to be and how their actions matter. In my classroom we will always seek to include all voices; especially those that have been historically marginalized and ignored.” and “In order to live in peace and joy, we must teach historical truth that moves us toward justice and equity.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Natalie Wolf | Teaching students the truth about history and today's society is essential in working towards a more equitable future. |
| Rebecca Brown | As a teacher, I believe that the United States is only as strong as its truth. We must be willing to teach the full history of our nation so that we can truly understand and respect each other enough to work together to fix the problems we face and build a better country for our children. |
| Katie Jones | “no comment” |
| Crystal Yakel-Kuntz | In order to live in peace and joy, we must teach historical truth that moves us toward justice and equity. |
| Lauren Robinette | “no comment” |
| Matthew Peterson | My students deserve to see themselves and their identities in the lessons being taught in my classroom and every classroom. Teaching about oppression and those who have worked to change oppressive structures empowers my students to think critically about what they want society to be and how their actions matter. In my classroom we will always seek to include all voices; especially those that have been historically marginalized and ignored. |
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