The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 12, the day before. It now has two pledges from Levittown 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 Levittown teachers included, "I teach in a very diverse city and my students come from all backgrounds and they need to see the truth taught and they need to see role models that look like them that have made positive change in the world in their classroom experience. We need to teach every child from the perspective of all cultures because we are all cultures in this country, none better than the other, but all equally important to learn about so we can create a country of unity rather than dissension" and "We will continue our commitment to develop critical thinking that supports students to better understand problems in our society and to develop collective solutions to those problems. We are for truth-telling and uplifting the power of organizing and solidarity that move us toward a more just society".
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 |
|---|---|
| Denise Drumel Masters | I teach in a very diverse city and my students come from all backgrounds and they need to see the truth taught and they need to see role models that look like them that have made positive change in the world in their classroom experience. We need to teach every child from the perspective of all cultures because we are all cultures in this country, none better than the other, but all equally important to learn about so we can create a country of unity rather than dissension. |
| Teresa Rollins | We will continue our commitment to develop critical thinking that supports students to better understand problems in our society and to develop collective solutions to those problems. We are for truth-telling and uplifting the power of organizing and solidarity that move us toward a more just society. |
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