The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 18, the day before. It now has two pledges from Newtown 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 Newtown teachers included, "I refuse to raise my children in the same ignorance as I was. Reality is complex, and until we start to raise all of our children to analyze and accept that reality, we will continue to be blind to the systems of oppression that hold so many of us back. Proud to raise a generation with the potential to lift all voices" and "I refuse to raise my children in the same ignorance as I was. Reality is complex, and until we start to raise all of our children to analyze and accept that reality, we will continue to be blind to the systems of oppression that hold so many of us back. Proud to raise a generation with the potential to lift all voices".
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 |
|---|---|
| Paul D'Agostino | No comment |
| Stephen Kennedy | I refuse to raise my children in the same ignorance as I was. Reality is complex, and until we start to raise all of our children to analyze and accept that reality, we will continue to be blind to the systems of oppression that hold so many of us back. Proud to raise a generation with the potential to lift all voices. |
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