The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 25, the day before. It now has six pledges from Iowa City 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 Iowa City teachers included, "It is crucial for students of all ages to properly understand the racist roots of our country and how it shaped the way it is today. Ignorance is very harmful especially when we are taught from such a young age that this country is completely equal. Racism is ingrained in the structure of our country and without proper education it will continue to be that way. Kids are never too young to learn about these things, but white fragility convinced those that this will be harmful for children, when people of color have to learn way too early that they have to work harder to be successful, stay safe, etc. It is about time that we give children a solid anti-racism foundation and education" and "we have suppressed the truth long enough and must battle against those who find it inconvenient".
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 |
|---|---|
| Alexander Lalagos | we have suppressed the truth long enough and must battle against those who find it inconvenient. |
| Alisa Meggitt | We need to teach truth to power....It only makes sense to teach Systemic Racism to allow our students to see each other in their full humanity. If we omit instruction around harm done to oppressed peoples, the disparities we observe in Jails, schools, wealth, housing, violence and opportunity will feed a narrative that perpetuates white supremacy.A full and honest curriculum wil bring healing to both sides, the oppressor and the oppressed Truth and reconciliation cannot be achieved with a muzzled curriculum protective of the oppressors. |
| Aubrey Noonan | we should learn from the past so that we do not replicate it! Rather than placating adults who are scared of systems and change, we should be teaching our students how to dismantle the systems and look at the world from a different lens. |
| Sammy Freeman | It is crucial for students of all ages to properly understand the racist roots of our country and how it shaped the way it is today. Ignorance is very harmful especially when we are taught from such a young age that this country is completely equal. Racism is ingrained in the structure of our country and without proper education it will continue to be that way. Kids are never too young to learn about these things, but white fragility convinced those that this will be harmful for children, when people of color have to learn way too early that they have to work harder to be successful, stay safe, etc. It is about time that we give children a solid anti-racism foundation and education |
| Sara Palante | I am committed to teaching students the truth about systemic racism, implicit bias, white privilege, and our country's true history of oppression. I am against any legislation that prevents educators from teaching antiracist curriculum. |
| Trechiondria Lathan | I will not simply comply with racist laws or be disrespected, dismissed, and traumatized by administrators and political leaders who openly inflict harm on Black students, families, and educators in this state. |
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