The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 20, the day before. It now has eight pledges from Beaverton 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 Beaverton teachers included, "the cruelty is unconscionable and must be exposed" and "Our students deserve and need to know the history that came before them, so that they can repair and make the world a better place. We know that we must learn from history so that it doesn't repeat itself. In teaching the truth, students will learn through an inquiry lens, evaluating primary source documents and systems in place that prevent us from "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This is the work".
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 |
|---|---|
| Carrie Matsuo | the cruelty is unconscionable and must be exposed. |
| Christine Nicholson | Ignoring the truth of our imperfect history is like ignoring angry, throbbing, infected wounds. We have to be a part of healing our society - to expose the infections, to educate about and model ways heal them, knowing that although they made fade, the scars will always be visible. As we do this, we teach our students how to avoid inflicting more wounds. Only then can we have a healthier society. |
| Hillary Moldovan | I went into Education because of the voices that were lost and the ones not being heard. Now I and my fellow white teachers have to take the responsibility that all voices will be heard and listened to. |
| Jessica Miller | No comment |
| Jordan Thierry | No comment |
| Michele Sandstrom | My students trust me to tell the truth. |
| Sarah Blattner | Our students deserve and need to know the history that came before them, so that they can repair and make the world a better place. We know that we must learn from history so that it doesn't repeat itself. In teaching the truth, students will learn through an inquiry lens, evaluating primary source documents and systems in place that prevent us from "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This is the work. |
| Shelah Kelso | No comment |
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