No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Laguna Niguel teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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.
The new Laguna Niguel teacher wrote “the truth does not flourish in silence about painful and difficult topics; an avoidance of controversy will only stunt our students' abilities to grapple with complexity, ambiguity, and depth as they grow to inherit this earth. May academic and all forms of freedom reign!” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Courtney Amaya | As history teachers we must honor the experiences of ALL Americans and teach the events of our nation accurately. Every American deserves to know the truth about the past, whitewashing the challenges our nation has faced/continues to face is not acceptable. |
| Connie Pham | the truth does not flourish in silence about painful and difficult topics; an avoidance of controversy will only stunt our students' abilities to grapple with complexity, ambiguity, and depth as they grow to inherit this earth. May academic and all forms of freedom reign! |
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