The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 23, the day before. It now has one pledge from Elk Grove Village teacher.
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.
The Elk Grove Village teacher wrote "My students deserve to know the truth. They cannot do better unless they know better. I pledge to teach them to think more critically and empathetically than I was, so that they might see the world as it is, and move forward to make the changes necessary for a better future." when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Jessika Homann | My students deserve to know the truth. They cannot do better unless they know better. I pledge to teach them to think more critically and empathetically than I was, so that they might see the world as it is, and move forward to make the changes necessary for a better future. |
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