The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 23, the day before. It now has 12 pledges from Bellingham 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 Bellingham teachers included, "I am concerned about the efforts to sustain white supremacy through laws that restrict the teaching of US history" and "It is the clear duty and responsibity of all teachers to always tell the truth to their students. The full truth is the foundation of our students understanding of the world and their place in it".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amy Caramella | No comment |
| Bruce Mansfield | I am concerned about the efforts to sustain white supremacy through laws that restrict the teaching of US history. |
| Janet Higbee-Robinson | No comment |
| John J. Ferreiro | I see no honest reason to lie to my students. |
| Jon Durham | It is the clear duty and responsibity of all teachers to always tell the truth to their students. The full truth is the foundation of our students understanding of the world and their place in it. |
| Kurt Dunbar | It is sad when so many are fearful of the whole truth being taught. Essentially, this is an inadvertent commentary of what American history really was and is. |
| Maren Anderson | Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. |
| Maria Timmons Flores | As a society, we will never live up to the ideals of a democracy with equity and justice unless we teach the truth of our history, help students to wrestle with multiple perspectives, to think critically, understand and address systemic injustices, and act to the benefit of themselves and their communities. |
| Mary Kazimer | No comment |
| Nicole Seegers | No comment |
| Nini Hayes | No comment |
| Shannon Sandberg | I support everything Zinn Ed! |
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