The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 12, the day before. It now has five pledges from Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport teachers included, "I believe omitting the true history as we teach our students is unacceptable and setting them up to not be socially and crtically aware of the world around them, Specifically the country in which they reside, The United States Of America. So let us as just teachers of truth not allow this omission to happen by speaking out, in addition to signing this petition" and "The society I live in and value, no longer values me, or my students. I believe the voices of the under-valued need to be heard".
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 |
|---|---|
| Anna Smucker | To paraphrase the words of esteemed former Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but NOT to their own FACTS. |
| Annie Neeley Kirkpatrick | Hiding the truth of our nation’s history does not prepare our young people to be active participants in an active and inclusive democracy. |
| Deborah Abram | I believe omitting the true history as we teach our students is unacceptable and setting them up to not be socially and crtically aware of the world around them, Specifically the country in which they reside, The United States Of America. So let us as just teachers of truth not allow this omission to happen by speaking out, in addition to signing this petition. |
| Jana Ewing | The society I live in and value, no longer values me, or my students. I believe the voices of the under-valued need to be heard. |
| Joshua D. Taylor | Let’s make a change! |
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