No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has three pledges from Pocatello teachers by the end of the week ending March 12.
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 Pocatello teacher wrote “I refuse to lie to my students. I will teach 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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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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