The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 24, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Larchmont 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 Larchmont teachers included, "I feel it is important to teach (and to learn) our country's full history, no matter how imperfect or flawed. This country has much to be proud of but we have also made mistakes and perpetuated inequity through our history. This must be acknowledged in order that we don't continue making the same mistakes and to begin to correct the wrongs and to heal" and "Children -- and everyone -- need to be taught the full history of the United States -- including the racist events that we would rather gloss over or forget".
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 |
|---|---|
| Anne Randall | Children -- and everyone -- need to be taught the full history of the United States -- including the racist events that we would rather gloss over or forget. |
| Elizabeth Ward | No comment |
| Jennifer Schidlow | Schools should truly be a community whereTruth reigns. |
| Pam Brandman | I feel it is important to teach (and to learn) our country's full history, no matter how imperfect or flawed. This country has much to be proud of but we have also made mistakes and perpetuated inequity through our history. This must be acknowledged in order that we don't continue making the same mistakes and to begin to correct the wrongs and to heal. |
| Rick Mehler | No comment |
| Ruth Obernbreit-Glass | history's lessons should not succumb to a racist political agenda |
| Ruth Obernbreit-Glass | we are in grave danger is teaching history succumbs to a political agenda that marginalizes black history |
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