The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 26, the day before. It now has four pledges from Port Chester 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 Port Chester teachers included, "Black Lives Matter in schools, and those of us privileged enough to to think this stuff does not matter, (and everyone else while we are at it) all need to learn how to see systemic racism" and "We owe it to the students in empowering all voices in matters of equity and social justice".
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 |
---|---|
Joan Grangenois-Thomas | Because we have a right to truth |
Jordan Allen | Black Lives Matter in schools, and those of us privileged enough to to think this stuff does not matter, (and everyone else while we are at it) all need to learn how to see systemic racism. |
Robert Reis | We owe it to the students in empowering all voices in matters of equity and social justice |
Tracie Castaldo | No comment |