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 Bristol teachers included, "I believe in teaching the truth of our history to our future generations in order to build a unified societal understanding" and "I have always tried to teach my students how to think, not what to think".
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 |
|---|---|
| Erin Moller | No comment |
| Gregg Burke | I have always tried to teach my students how to think, not what to think. |
| Janet Johnson | No comment |
| Joellen Marley | No comment |
| Rachel Koger | I believe in teaching the truth of our history to our future generations in order to build a unified societal understanding. |
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