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 Fontana teachers included, "It costs me nothing to do so, but it moves me closer toward using my privilege to make noise and further from complacency" and "students need to learn about our uncomfortable history, because accountability and atonement are important".
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 |
|---|---|
| Brandalyne Evans | No comment |
| Matt Vaudrey | It costs me nothing to do so, but it moves me closer toward using my privilege to make noise and further from complacency. |
| Matt Vaudrey | students need to learn about our uncomfortable history, because accountability and atonement are important. |
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