No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has seven pledges from Everett teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 new Everett teachers included “Liberation and freedom for all is not optional and begins with knowledge and accountability” and “I believe that we need MORE content and pedagogy that is designed to counteract the history and legacy of racism in this country, not less.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Sandra Shnider | It is important that all students learn to be critical thinkers and to recognize the truth and learn how to respond to false and inaccurate information. |
| Derek Jones | I believe that we need MORE content and pedagogy that is designed to counteract the history and legacy of racism in this country, not less. |
| Sarah Khan | “no comment” |
| Cassie Brickell | Our students deserve the right to learning a true account of history. |
| Adrian Galvan | All students should learn a unbiased truth of history. |
| Kelly Sherron | “no comment” |
| Annamarie Jordan | Liberation and freedom for all is not optional and begins with knowledge and accountability |
Alerts Sign-up