The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 21, the day before. It now has eight pledges from Stockton 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 Stockton teachers included, "I am a upcoming Social Studies educator and I swear to tell the WHOLE truth about history - the good, bad, and especially the ugly" and "It is important that ALL students learn the truth about history that has help create positive social change".
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 |
---|---|
Abigail Vilar | I am a upcoming Social Studies educator and I swear to tell the WHOLE truth about history - the good, bad, and especially the ugly. |
Anamaria Silva | No comment |
Carola Perisho | No comment |
Gloria Allen | No comment |
Magaly Juarez Jaimes | When we personally reflect on our past actions we are better equipped to make better decisions in the future. If we apply that as a collective society, we will be able to learn from the past mistakes (and triumphs) and build a better, equitable, just world for future generations.We can only truly reflect and move forward when we reach into our genuine core. |
Mariann Vasquez | I will not lie to my students. I swear to tell them truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth! |
Patrick Looker | No comment |
Rhonda Brock | It is important that ALL students learn the truth about history that has help create positive social change. |