The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 25, the day before. It now has 28 pledges from Bellmead 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 Bellmead teachers included, "The history of our country matters--moving forward with truth behind us matters" and "My students deserve to critically and honestly analyze American History from a variety of reputable sources - not just one source chosen by people who are not educators or not historians".
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 |
|---|---|
| Alicia Martínez-Holman | I am committed to students learning the truth about history!! |
| Amanda Hartlage | “One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” – Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter from Birmingham Jail," April 1963We, the undersigned educators, refuse to lie to young people about U.S. history and current events. |
| Amy McConnell Franklin | We have been ignorant, compliant, and complacent too long. The facts are increasingly clear and undeniable. To not know is one problem. To know and not tell the truth is unconscionable and shameful. |
| Andrea Allen | Our students deserve the knowledge and the truth that will lead to equitable change for future generations. We have a duty to teach curriculum more realistically matched to what has happened and what is continuing to happen in the United States. |
| Bree K. | No comment |
| Carla Sulli | No comment |
| Cathleen Cadigan | My students deserve to critically and honestly analyze American History from a variety of reputable sources - not just one source chosen by people who are not educators or not historians. |
| Chad Odwazny | We need to understand the history and legacy of racism the US in order to build an anti-racist future. |
| Chanelle Harley | I believe in educating our students with relevant and factual information. |
| Courtney Wai | No comment |
| Debra Vitt | No comment |
| Dixie Keyes | The history of our country matters--moving forward with truth behind us matters. |
| Emily Gleason | No comment |
| Emily Twyman | No comment |
| Eric Wrightson | Oklahoma passed, and Govermor Stitt signed, HB1775, a poorly written and contradictory law that undermines how we teach history. I refuse to lie to my students, most of whom are African American. |
| Erin Tyburski | My students need assurance that public education will validate and value their history, who they love, how they think, and allow them to lead their learning. |
| Hinda Joy Laury | TRUTH has always needed to be taught. Ignorance is disastrous. If the majority acknowledges the truth, many more will come forward to demand change to this white supremacist oligarchy we fight for survival in. We should stand tall together. As a teacher, I have refused to teach their lies. |
| Jaimee Johnson | No comment |
| Jennifer Nelson | our children, this country's future leaders, deserve to know the truth about our nation's history so as not to repeat it! |
| Jessica Kitterman | No comment |
| Judy Roberts-Hawkins | I want our student's to know the entire truth. I want them to be able to become the best possible young adult and adult that they can be with all the knowledge that is available to them. Our children deserve to know about our country's history and black history. Black history is not just one month, it needs taught all year. Being aware of all struggles that American people have gone through will enable our country to grow and eliminate racism. |
| Kathy Steger | Our students need to hear the truth and facts about history and current events! |
| Kelli Modine | No comment |
| Marsha Abelman | I love our youth and want them to have accurate history. |
| Maryann Fox | We always need to tell the truth. Always. Who will trust us if we dont tell the truth. I am embarrassed about how the last adm lied daily. |
| Michael Bolt | No comment |
| Sol Rmz | No comment |
| Terri Hewitt | all our students deserve to know the truth! |
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