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 El Paso teachers included, "How can we raise up a generation to right the wrongs of our nation if we don’t teach those things honestly and truthfully? As James Baldwin so aptly put, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” Speaking to racism and systematic oppression does not mean we hate America, it means precisely the opposite - we want to see her live up to her democratic ideals for ALL people" and "Talking about race in my classes is important to helping my students think critically about the society they live in so that when they graduate they 1. Aren't shocked to find out that school sugar coated the truth and 2. So that they can be the change they want to see in the world".
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 |
|---|---|
| Albertina Valdez | No comment |
| Chandler Tadlock | How can we raise up a generation to right the wrongs of our nation if we don’t teach those things honestly and truthfully? As James Baldwin so aptly put, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” Speaking to racism and systematic oppression does not mean we hate America, it means precisely the opposite - we want to see her live up to her democratic ideals for ALL people. |
| Cheryl Capoldi-Huston | A colleague is being singled out by aggressive parents, and I stand by truth and empowered learning. |
| Christine Llewellyn | No comment |
| Chyanne Smith | Talking about race in my classes is important to helping my students think critically about the society they live in so that when they graduate they 1. Aren't shocked to find out that school sugar coated the truth and 2. So that they can be the change they want to see in the world. |
| Edward Holland | No comment |
| Laurence Sears | the truth always matters. |
| Patricia Bellman | No comment |
| Sara Behrens | No comment |
| Veronica Gallegos | I believe in justice for all |
| Veronica Gallegos | Porque soy Hispanaporque soy mujerporque soy lesbianaporque la verdad nos hara libres... |
| Xavier Miranda | Normalizing human rights violations and colonization merely perpetuate the current injustice plaguing our global communities. Militarism, consumerism, and racism are elements that need to be confronted before our humanity is restored. |
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