The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 17, the day before. It now has eight pledges from Watsonville 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 Watsonville teachers included, "The truth will set this country FREE! FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST!" and "I refuse to lie to my students".
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 |
|---|---|
| Akiko Minami | Students deserve to learn the true history of our country, the world, and current events. They are engaged in these discussions and develop strong critical thinking skills. They have a right to know the truth, the good and the bad. |
| Alexandro Ochoa | I am committed to the truth |
| Anna Castillo | the truth is the only thing that should be taught in schools. |
| Irene McGinty | No comment |
| Janeen Harris | I refuse to lie to my students. |
| Jovita Molina | The truth will set this country FREE! FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST! |
| Margo Ross | Because I believe it is essential that students learn and understand the history and present day reality of racism (heterosexism, sexism, etc) in our country. We can't clean up a mess that we don't even see. |
| Samantha Bleisch | No comment |
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