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 Avon teachers included, "Students deserve the truth, because they can handle it better than most adults" and "I will not lie to students or omit, censor, and apologize in the interests of irritated rulers about the facts of conflict and oppression in history and present".
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 |
|---|---|
| Daniel Werst | I will not lie to students or omit, censor, and apologize in the interests of irritated rulers about the facts of conflict and oppression in history and present. |
| K.G. | We've lied long enough about the founding of this nation. It isn't an attack on the U.S. but the facts. We need people to know the truth so that we can continue to do better for our citizens. |
| Linda Aguinaga | I will not allow bullies to silence me and prevent me from teaching my students all of US History. They deserve nothing less than the truth. |
| Linda Aguinaga | Students deserve the truth, because they can handle it better than most adults. |
| Martha McGlinchy Teien | No comment |
| Megan Engelmann | I believe in teaching my kids the truth so they can make our society better. |
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