The pledge was signed by one teacher the week before. It now has six pledges from Peekskill teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 15.
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 Peekskill teachers included “Teaching ALL perspectives of history is teaching the truth and I swear to do right by our youth.” and “The truth matters!”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Connie Lobur | We must resist this growing trend of censorship and denial of facts and accurate history in favor of tribalism and conspiracy. |
| Lisa Mannion | Teaching ALL perspectives of history is teaching the truth and I swear to do right by our youth. |
| Mary Lynn Pearlman | “no comment” |
| Lisa Mannion | The truth matters! |
| 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... |
| Emily Dicuio | “no comment” |
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