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 Coralville teachers included, "I will continue to teach the truth even if it means I lose my job. I will not white wash our history! I ask that our legislators look back through world history & examine how governments with authoritarian control over education are remembered" and "we cannot move forward as a country if people don't understand how we got here".
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 |
|---|---|
| Jeff Erickson | I will continue to teach the truth even if it means I lose my job. I will not white wash our history! I ask that our legislators look back through world history & examine how governments with authoritarian control over education are remembered. |
| Lisa Mellecker | we cannot move forward as a country if people don't understand how we got here. |
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