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 Huntsville teachers included, "The truth about our American History needs to be taught no matter how horrific it may be because it is truth. The truth shall set you free" and "Learning about racism is the only path to healing it and building a better, stronger nation".
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 |
|---|---|
| Billie Sue Lyons | The truth about our American History needs to be taught no matter how horrific it may be because it is truth. The truth shall set you free. |
| Derek Koehl | Attempts to censor learning are un-American. Compromising the education of our youth to score political points with white supremacists is despicable. |
| Melissa Snider | Learning about racism is the only path to healing it and building a better, stronger nation. |
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