No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has one pledge from Mansfield Center 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 Mansfield Center teacher wrote “Our district is committed to equality and citizenship. Providing students with opportunities to use critical-thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and world citizenship. All of these are goals within the district's Portrait of a Graduate. Thus, truth, and the recognition that truth can be hard to hear and hard to accept is why competent and capable educators must provide students with primary sources and to give voice to the voiceless. I am proud to engage in this important work with strong young minds, who will make their way in this world as empathetic and informed citizens.” 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 |
|---|---|
| Martha Davis | Our district is committed to equality and citizenship. Providing students with opportunities to use critical-thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and world citizenship. All of these are goals within the district's Portrait of a Graduate. Thus, truth, and the recognition that truth can be hard to hear and hard to accept is why competent and capable educators must provide students with primary sources and to give voice to the voiceless. I am proud to engage in this important work with strong young minds, who will make their way in this world as empathetic and informed citizens. |
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