The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 20, the day before. It now has five pledges from Longmont 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 Longmont teachers included, "I choose teaching the truth to children, all children" and "I've been a teacher for nearly 25 years and have earned two degrees in United States History and I am dedicated to using empiricism and reason in seeking the truth and I am further dedicated to teaching my students to do the same. -Michael James Rees, James Madison Fellow of the United States Constitution".
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 |
|---|---|
| Althea Harris | I choose teaching the truth to children, all children. |
| Katie Torres | The truth matters. |
| Lisa Norton | No comment |
| Lynn Lovett Barr | No comment |
| Michael Rees | I've been a teacher for nearly 25 years and have earned two degrees in United States History and I am dedicated to using empiricism and reason in seeking the truth and I am further dedicated to teaching my students to do the same. -Michael James Rees, James Madison Fellow of the United States Constitution. |
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