No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has three pledges from North Andover 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 North Andover teachers included “Students deserve to know the true story of our country, warts and all. Democracy requires an informed citizenry.” and “I know my students will benefit from learning the truth. It must be told.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Amanda Nasser | I know my students will benefit from learning the truth. It must be told. |
| Jean Kosky | “no comment” |
| Lance Latham | Students deserve to know the true story of our country, warts and all. Democracy requires an informed citizenry. |
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