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 Fort Collins teachers included, "I believe it is critically important to teach children the truth in all areas of learning. When children are taught the truth they can grow into healthy adults who can handle and process difficult conversations powerfully and without shame. I believe parents are uncomfortable with the truth because they are just now being introduced to the true history of our nation and conversations around race. Imagine how much more able to handle it they would be if they have learned it as children. This is why children must know the truth" and "Our students deserve to know the truth. We must present our history accurately if we are to continue to grow, improve and come together as a nation".
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 |
|---|---|
| Barbara Janssen | Our students deserve to know the truth. We must present our history accurately if we are to continue to grow, improve and come together as a nation. |
| Erin Pierson | No comment |
| Kurt Knierim | The real stories matter |
| Laura Yaussi | I believe it is critically important to teach children the truth in all areas of learning. When children are taught the truth they can grow into healthy adults who can handle and process difficult conversations powerfully and without shame. I believe parents are uncomfortable with the truth because they are just now being introduced to the true history of our nation and conversations around race. Imagine how much more able to handle it they would be if they have learned it as children. This is why children must know the truth. |
| Lisa Neal | In order to not repeat history it must be remembered. |
| Louise Jennings | No comment |
| Naama Levy | No comment |
| Wendy Bergman | Our History is a history of oppression and pain and the only way we can create a future that is any different is by having an open and honest conversation about our past. Our students know that racism sexism and homophobia are a part of our history and if we don't teach them about it in schools we lose their trust and their investment in education. |
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