No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has three pledges from Fort Wayne teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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.
The new Fort Wayne teacher wrote “My well loved and respected history teacher, Mr. Ronald Holmes, taught this to hundreds/thousands of students without issue or controversy. He made us more critical thinkers. Plus it is the right thing to do!” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Sydney Early | I want the students coming into any classroom to have access to the truth by those responsible for their education. They deserve to be prepared to the highest level to engage in society responsibly and adequately. |
| Jessica Farlow | I refuse to lie to children to appease white fragility. Children deserve to know accurate history about their country. |
| Erin Seely | My well loved and respected history teacher, Mr. Ronald Holmes, taught this to hundreds/thousands of students without issue or controversy. He made us more critical thinkers. Plus it is the right thing to do! |
Alerts Sign-up