No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has six pledges from Longmont teachers by the end of the week ending March 12.
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 new Longmont teachers included “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.” and “The truth matters.”.
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Liv Avery | “no comment” |
| Lisa Norton | “no comment” |
| Althea Harris | I choose teaching the truth to children, all children. |
| Lynn Lovett Barr | “no comment” |
| Katie Torres | The truth matters. |
| 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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