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 Colorado Springs teachers included, "Continuing to teach a white washed narrative is doing nothing but continuing a hurtful false good that will do nothing but continue to negatively impact future generations" and "This is a start to systemic change concerning racism!".
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 |
|---|---|
| Colleen Campbell | as I enter the workforce, I am committed to Critical Race Theory and the work of anti-racism |
| Danielle Collette | Those who don’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it. |
| David Benson | No comment |
| Dwanna McKay | No comment |
| James Gregg | Continuing to teach a white washed narrative is doing nothing but continuing a hurtful false good that will do nothing but continue to negatively impact future generations. |
| Jane Murphy | No comment |
| Kim Miller | Silence and not teaching truth is immoral. We can't move forward in a better way until we acknowledge the truth of our past. |
| Meghan Leroux | It is important that students know the truth about our nation's history and understand the many perspectives from our history. |
| Stephanie Barron | This is a start to systemic change concerning racism! |
| Todd Craig | The truth will set you free. |
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