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 Pocatello teachers included, "The kids are the future and they need to be armed with the truth" and "I refuse to lie to my students. I will teach the truth".
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 |
|---|---|
| Eric Rude | The United States is what it is because of its history, the good AND the bad. We cannot understand how to make our country great if we don't understand who we are. |
| Katy Hopkins | The kids are the future and they need to be armed with the truth |
| Marilana Buck | I refuse to lie to my students. I will teach the truth. |
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