No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has four pledges from Gloucester teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 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 Gloucester teachers included “We have an opportunity and a responsibility to teach our students about our shared American history.We have an opportunity to present a fuller, more nuanced, more accurate history of these United States.We cannot change our future until we understand our past.” and “Truth is always worth fighting for.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Cynthia Mochowski | I am a public school teacher, and it is not only my job to teach the truth, but is what I personally believe in. |
| Simon Paddock | “no comment” |
| Heidi Wakeman | We have an opportunity and a responsibility to teach our students about our shared American history.We have an opportunity to present a fuller, more nuanced, more accurate history of these United States.We cannot change our future until we understand our past. |
| Cynthia Mochowski | Truth is always worth fighting for. |
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