Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Madison stagnates at four

By Huntsville Leader

Jan 12, 2022

There were no new teachers in Madison who signed the pledge on Jan. 10, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has four pledges from Madison 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 Madison teachers included, "Children need to develop critical thinking skills, compassion for all in how we are the same and different and understand the essential need for understanding and loving ourselves and others from a humankind and social justice perspective will benefit not harm them" and "My students deserve to understand all the complexities of US history so they can work to build a better democracy and promote human rights for all".

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 in Madison who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Brenda Morris	My students deserve to understand all the complexities of US history so they can work to build a better democracy and promote human rights for all.
Jonathan Biatch	We need to offer the truth about our past, so that we can prepare for a future of reconciliation and justice.
Kristi Sprague	Students deserve the truth and teachers should not be censored about teaching the truth.
Sharyl Kato	Children need to develop critical thinking skills, compassion for all in how we are the same and different and understand the essential need for understanding and loving ourselves and others from a humankind and social justice perspective will benefit not harm them.