The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 28, the day before. It now has five pledges from Peekskill 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 Peekskill teachers included, "Teaching ALL perspectives of history is teaching the truth and I swear to do right by our youth" and "Black history IS American history. Women's history IS American history.Native American history IS American history.Our role as history teachers is to teach the history, for better or for worse, so that we can become a more perfect union. Teaching patriotism and history are two different things..".
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 |
|---|---|
| Emily Dicuio | No comment |
| Emily Dicuio | Black history IS American history. Women's history IS American history.Native American history IS American history.Our role as history teachers is to teach the history, for better or for worse, so that we can become a more perfect union. Teaching patriotism and history are two different things... |
| Lisa Mannion | Teaching ALL perspectives of history is teaching the truth and I swear to do right by our youth. |
| Lisa Mannion | The truth matters! |
| Mary Lynn Pearlman | No comment |
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