The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 20, the day before. It now has two pledges from South Lake Tahoe teachers.
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 South Lake Tahoe teachers included, "History is not always pretty, uplifting, and just. It is important we do not ignore the parts that are uncomfortable. Our students, the young people of this country, deserve to know what really happened in the past as it has shaped the lives they live each day. We must honestly educate, for these students are the living embodiment of hope that the U.S. can become what we want to believe it can...a place for all to thrive in equity" and "History is not always pretty, uplifting, and just. It is important we do not ignore the parts that are uncomfortable. Our students, the young people of this country, deserve to know what really happened in the past as it has shaped the lives they live each day. We must honestly educate, for these students are the living embodiment of hope that the U.S. can become what we want to believe it can...a place for all to thrive in equity".
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 |
|---|---|
| Karen Tucker | No comment |
| Melissa Berry | History is not always pretty, uplifting, and just. It is important we do not ignore the parts that are uncomfortable. Our students, the young people of this country, deserve to know what really happened in the past as it has shaped the lives they live each day. We must honestly educate, for these students are the living embodiment of hope that the U.S. can become what we want to believe it can...a place for all to thrive in equity. |
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