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 Tracy teachers included, "Our students and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color deserve to be acknowledged for their suffering and contributions to this country. This country’s leadership has not told the truth and needs to correct so many wrongs, starting with telling the truth about our history" and "it's in the truth about our history that we achieve liberation!".
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 |
|---|---|
| Gabby Rodriguez | Our students and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color deserve to be acknowledged for their suffering and contributions to this country. This country’s leadership has not told the truth and needs to correct so many wrongs, starting with telling the truth about our history. |
| Ma Bernadette Salgarino | it's in the truth about our history that we achieve liberation! |
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