Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Asheville stagnates at 12 in June

By Asheville Reporter

Jul 11, 2022

There were no new teachers in Asheville who signed the pledge in June, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by 12 teachers the month before. It now has 12 pledges from Asheville teachers by June.

They are 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.

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 in Asheville who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Isaac Lake	Because it would be criminal to stand by to these unjust acts within our own governments.
Peeples M.	I will teach the truth.
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.
Gary Falkenberg	White washed history won't work.
Cara Brackins	The truth matters
Gary Falkenberg	White washed history is just wrong.
Lisa Pomeroy	“no comment”
Doug Wingeier	"...you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free..." (John 8:32).
Doug Wingeier	"The truth shall make you free."
Laura Mears	“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.
Gracie Bowling	“no comment”