The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 17, the day before. It now has six pledges from San Marcos 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 San Marcos teachers included, "the only way to fight against this type of oppressive legislation is to organize and stand our ground and push for what is morally just" and "I am a teacher, but specifically I am a teacher to incredible immigrants to our country. All of my students are Spanish-speaking, and they deserve to know our history, especially as it pertains to their rights and their peers’ rights. We cannot mask the truth. We must face it head on and discuss it as individuals and a community".
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 |
|---|---|
| Alethea Maldonado | I am a teacher, but specifically I am a teacher to incredible immigrants to our country. All of my students are Spanish-speaking, and they deserve to know our history, especially as it pertains to their rights and their peers’ rights. We cannot mask the truth. We must face it head on and discuss it as individuals and a community. |
| Ariel Krakowsky | No comment |
| Brittney Ellis | the only way to fight against this type of oppressive legislation is to organize and stand our ground and push for what is morally just. |
| Catherine Valadez | No comment |
| Kristen Brodie | No comment |
| Sarah Williams | My job is to educate students and help them to become critical thinkers, not to indoctrinate them with propaganda that upholds white supremacy. |
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