The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 25, the day before. It now has six pledges from Skokie 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 Skokie teachers included, "If we have any hope of becoming a more just society, we have to teach our young people all the history, not just some of the history" and "I believe in the education of the truth of our history. Kids should know and understand why things are the way they are now due to what’s happened in our history, be able to make their own decisions going forward, and start to work toward change in our country!".
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 |
|---|---|
| Diana McNelis | When we do not learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it. It is important for students to understand what has brought us to the place we are now. People and circumstances are complex and students need to learn that. These lessons are important to help students understand the present and create the critical thinkers we need to lead us into a more just future. |
| Elana Jacobs | No comment |
| Nicole Reynolds | I believe in the education of the truth of our history. Kids should know and understand why things are the way they are now due to what’s happened in our history, be able to make their own decisions going forward, and start to work toward change in our country! |
| Patricia Savage-Williams | No comment |
| Sue Larson | If we have any hope of becoming a more just society, we have to teach our young people all the history, not just some of the history. |
| Teri Langston | Our nations true history needs to taught. History should not be a perception, but a record of the actual events. |
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