The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has one pledge from Flagstaff teacher.
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 Flagstaff teacher wrote "I am an educator of Ethnic Studies in a state that has tried repeatedly to undermine teaching of racial justice, culturally responsive subject matter, and education for action on behalf of Black, Indigenous, Asian American, and ChicanX/LatinX peoples. I believe we are winning the battle for the hearts and souls of youth, parents and elders, but that the white-entrenched state legislator and right-wing governors in Arizona have continually worked to disempower the majority of equity-minded people. We are the majority, and I am signing my name because I am convinced that history is on our side--we stand on truth and reconciliation for all. AZ bills stifling voting rights, teaching of anti-racist subject matter, and for migrant rights, will be deemed unconstitutional but we must act now, to turn the tide. I am signing my name because I have two daughters who are in the school system and they have a right to learn the truth! Word? Today I pledge to uphold the Truth!" 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 |
|---|---|
| Ricardo Guthrie | I am an educator of Ethnic Studies in a state that has tried repeatedly to undermine teaching of racial justice, culturally responsive subject matter, and education for action on behalf of Black, Indigenous, Asian American, and ChicanX/LatinX peoples. I believe we are winning the battle for the hearts and souls of youth, parents and elders, but that the white-entrenched state legislator and right-wing governors in Arizona have continually worked to disempower the majority of equity-minded people. We are the majority, and I am signing my name because I am convinced that history is on our side--we stand on truth and reconciliation for all. AZ bills stifling voting rights, teaching of anti-racist subject matter, and for migrant rights, will be deemed unconstitutional but we must act now, to turn the tide. I am signing my name because I have two daughters who are in the school system and they have a right to learn the truth! Word? Today I pledge to uphold the Truth! |
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