The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 16, the day before. It now has two pledges from Severna Park 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 Severna Park teachers included, "We need to be honest. Our students deserve to be taught the truth. ~ Satayagraha <3" and "Education is one of the core foundations of my activism. It is one of the most precious things we can give to others- the truth and a full explanation of it. We are never too old or young to learn, but education for children requires our constant attention and vigilance. They deserve our candor, and have much more emotional and intellectual maturity than we give them credit for (I know, I taught at one point too). We must be open with them if we're going to move forward as a progressive and equitable nation. We owe it not just to our children but to the millions of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people that have suffered and died under the American system of racism and imperialism to tell the truth. It is our duty".
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 |
|---|---|
| Emma Buchman | Education is one of the core foundations of my activism. It is one of the most precious things we can give to others- the truth and a full explanation of it. We are never too old or young to learn, but education for children requires our constant attention and vigilance. They deserve our candor, and have much more emotional and intellectual maturity than we give them credit for (I know, I taught at one point too). We must be open with them if we're going to move forward as a progressive and equitable nation. We owe it not just to our children but to the millions of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people that have suffered and died under the American system of racism and imperialism to tell the truth. It is our duty. |
| Kristine Saja | We need to be honest. Our students deserve to be taught the truth. ~ Satayagraha <3 |
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