The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 24, the day before. It now has four pledges from Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield teachers included, "I refuse to lie to young people about U.S. history and current events — regardless of the law" and "I think that our students need to get a balanced view of history, including the voices of those who have traditionally been marginalized. We are a wonderful country, and our students need to know the truth".
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 |
|---|---|
| Courtney Meisberger | I think that our students need to get a balanced view of history, including the voices of those who have traditionally been marginalized. We are a wonderful country, and our students need to know the truth. |
| Kimberly Boland | No comment |
| Matt Webster | I live in a state that does not have these horrible laws. However these laws being passed anywhere damage our society. |
| Susan Sauve | I refuse to lie to young people about U.S. history and current events — regardless of the law. |
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