The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 25, the day before. It now has five pledges from Round Rock 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 Round Rock teachers included, "Our freedom to teach our students the truth must NOT be taken away" and "I hold a firm belief that racism is at the core of U.S. History so trying to restrict the education of it will make teaching history massively difficult. Children deserve an accurate grasp of history".
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 Grizzard | I believe educators should teach the truth. |
| Austin McCredie | No comment |
| Max Giese | I hold a firm belief that racism is at the core of U.S. History so trying to restrict the education of it will make teaching history massively difficult. Children deserve an accurate grasp of history. |
| Megan Dobson | I refuse to be used as a tool of oppression. In my role as a teacher, I have an opportunity and an obligation to work to dismantle white supremacy in our society, not to serve as a cog in its vast machinery.As the incoming Social Studies Department Chair at my school, I have two foundational tenets going into the new year:1. Healthy professional boundaries for everyone.2. Make good trouble. |
| Nancy Wheelis | Our freedom to teach our students the truth must NOT be taken away. |
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