No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has 16 pledges from Evanston teachers by the end of the week ending March 12.
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 new Evanston teachers included “Whether or not something is legal or "the law" has never been a measure for whether it is just. I strive to support all of my students in their learning. This requires teaching the truth.” and “As teachers, we have a responsibility to help students of all ages learn the truth of history and present realities so that they can work alongside others to make our country and our world a better place.”.
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Vanessa Alvarado | The truth matters. For some, our lives depend on it. |
| Katherine Gillies | Teaching with a racial justice lens is necessary to foster a culture of belonging and dignity in one of our children's first communities -- our classrooms. |
| Steven Zemelman | Only when students understand all aspects of our history - both the good and the destructive - can they help advance our country toward its ideals. To truly love one's country involves committing to work to make it better. |
| Vanessa Alvarado | “no comment” |
| M.A. | We deserve the truth |
| Sarah-Bess Dworin | “no comment” |
| Shentil Mann | It’s critical to teach the true history of America |
| Elizabeth Meadows | Knowing the truth is necessary for everyone to be free. |
| Steven Zemelman | Young people will only be able to contribute to the improvement of this democracy and show their love for it if the learn full and accurate history about its achievements and its failings. They will also need to learn how to advocate for and make changes that improve their community, and to act to interrupt racism where they see it. |
| Elisa Gall | Ida B. Wells-Barnett wrote, "The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” I can't live my values as a teacher and librarian and lie to children. It's that simple. Facing history, understanding the present, and working to challenge oppression is not always easy, but it can be empowering when the learning community comes together in collective care, support, and change-making. |
| Michael Elliott | “no comment” |
| Joyce Crockett | I believe all students should be appropriately taught truth. |
| Amy Moore | “no comment” |
| Annie Zirin | “no comment” |
| Elisa Gall | Whether or not something is legal or "the law" has never been a measure for whether it is just. I strive to support all of my students in their learning. This requires teaching the truth. |
| Elizabeth Meadows | As teachers, we have a responsibility to help students of all ages learn the truth of history and present realities so that they can work alongside others to make our country and our world a better place. |
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