The pledge was signed by no teachers on April 20, the day before. It now has four pledges from Parma 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 Parma teachers included, "As a teacher of law and social justice, I have an ethical obligation to teach my students the truth about historical injustice, systemic and institutional racism, and the treatment of individuals who struggle in society as a result of the misuse of power. I do my best to teach them the truth even when the students (and their parents) do not want to hear it. The same individuals who believe removing confederate statues is equal to erasing American history are the same individuals who don't believe that systemic and institutional racism exist. The lack of understanding of American history and government boggles the mind. We cannot heal what we do not acknowledge. Recognizing, understanding, and resolving to change the sins of the United States does not make us less American. Rather, we become more American as we truly embrace the democratic principles on which this country was founded" and "“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Do we mean this or are these just words?".
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 |
|---|---|
| Lora Winger | “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Do we mean this or are these just words? |
| Lora Winger | As a teacher of law and social justice, I have an ethical obligation to teach my students the truth about historical injustice, systemic and institutional racism, and the treatment of individuals who struggle in society as a result of the misuse of power. I do my best to teach them the truth even when the students (and their parents) do not want to hear it. The same individuals who believe removing confederate statues is equal to erasing American history are the same individuals who don't believe that systemic and institutional racism exist. The lack of understanding of American history and government boggles the mind. We cannot heal what we do not acknowledge. Recognizing, understanding, and resolving to change the sins of the United States does not make us less American. Rather, we become more American as we truly embrace the democratic principles on which this country was founded. |
| Peggy Sharkey | I must tell the truth |
| Peggy Sharkey | The truth shall set you free |
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