The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 6, the day before. It now has six pledges from Jackson 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 Jackson teachers included, "We cannot begin to fathom our futures until we fully examine our past" and "I am a history teacher, not a propagandist!".
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 |
|---|---|
| Beau Menard | We cannot begin to fathom our futures until we fully examine our past. |
| Drew Overholser | I am a history teacher, not a propagandist! |
| Karen Jenks | No comment |
| Laurie Carroll | It is imperative that our children know the truth about the foundation of this country and the truths behind the racism that existed throughout our country's history. |
| Tarasa Brierly | Students deserve to learn the truth through primary documents and texts, both non-fiction and fiction. This is what I want for not only my students, but for my own children as well. When we give them critical thinking skills and fully formed, honest information, students can and will make their own decisions about what is “true.” That is what those who oppose truth in education fear most. |
| Vilas Annavarapu | I want my students to have the critical thinking skills to undo past harm without upholding the structures that perpetuate it. |
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