The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 25, the day before. It now has four pledges from Astoria 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 Astoria teachers included, "Our students deserve to know the truth" and "I want my children to grow up knowing the Truth, of why our country got to this point, how we got here, and how the untruths prevailed over society for the longest time. It is our turn to shift the legacy of hate and pave the way for the future of understanding, compassion, foregiveness, acceptance of all humanity, and most important change".
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 |
|---|---|
| Kely Friedman | No comment |
| Natalia Ortiz | No comment |
| Sarah Chapman | I want my children to grow up knowing the Truth, of why our country got to this point, how we got here, and how the untruths prevailed over society for the longest time. It is our turn to shift the legacy of hate and pave the way for the future of understanding, compassion, foregiveness, acceptance of all humanity, and most important change. |
| Veronica Labrador Monteiro | Our students deserve to know the truth. |
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