The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 17, the day before. It now has two pledges from New Albany 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 New Albany teachers included, "my students need to feel and know that they matter. Teachers are not teaching that one race is superior like the media says. We want to teach the truth, facts, real events.- not a white washed version of history that only focuses on black lives in Februrary" and "I am an ally and antiracist".
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 |
|---|---|
| Ben Arthurs | I am an ally and antiracist. |
| Kim Pettit | my students need to feel and know that they matter. Teachers are not teaching that one race is superior like the media says. We want to teach the truth, facts, real events.- not a white washed version of history that only focuses on black lives in Februrary. |
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