No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has 11 pledges from Asheville 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.
Comments from new Asheville teachers included “American HIstory is the history of each of us and the totality of our history. We cant tell the story of who we are as individuals or a nation without telling, hearing and reconciling with the truth. Only then can we heal where needed, strengthen where weak, assure that all Americans have equal voices and rights, and truly have a united and strong country.” and “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. 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 |
|---|---|
| Gracie Bowling | “no comment” |
| Mark Sidelnick | I will not be, nor do I want my education students (or their students) to be, intimidated by fear-mongering and the politicization of history. |
| Laura Mears | “no comment” |
| Doug Wingeier | "The truth shall make you free." |
| Doug Wingeier | "...you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free..." (John 8:32). |
| Lisa Pomeroy | “no comment” |
| Gary Falkenberg | White washed history is just wrong. |
| Cara Brackins | The truth matters |
| Gary Falkenberg | White washed history won't work. |
| Kriya Lendzion | American HIstory is the history of each of us and the totality of our history. We cant tell the story of who we are as individuals or a nation without telling, hearing and reconciling with the truth. Only then can we heal where needed, strengthen where weak, assure that all Americans have equal voices and rights, and truly have a united and strong country. |
| Peeples M. | I will teach the truth. |
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