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Huntsville Leader

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

No new teachers in Athens sign pledge on Feb. 25 to teach Critical Race Theory

Hs 07

There were no new teachers in Athens who signed the pledge on Feb. 25, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 24, the day before. It now has 20 pledges from Athens 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 Athens teachers included, "Learning the truth will help all of us, not the least of which are marginalized people, but White folks too will benefit. Being a member, or aspiring to be a member, of the oppressor class takes a social-emotional, mental health toll" and "All of us, of every race, will have better lives if our relationships, organizations, and our country are rooted in an understanding of history and a commitment to learning".

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 Athens who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory
TeachersThoughts on Critical Race Theory
Adam KellerIf the truth appears biased, perhaps that's your problem and the problem of the misinformation you're consuming? Young people deserve to know the good, the bad, and the ugly of our past in order to understand the present and improve the future.
Allie McCullenNo comment
Anna GunnellsTeaching children the whole truth about the history of this country is incredibly important. It would be a disservice to the future of this country to not acknowledge the struggles that have happened throughout history. There are so many types of people, other than rich, white men, that make up this country. Refusing to acknowledge the diversity of this country is dishonest, one-sided, and boring.
Anna TraffanstedtTruth should never be banned.
Beth MendenhallNo comment
Christopher WingettI am not a bad person.
Denise OglesbyLearning the truth will help all of us, not the least of which are marginalized people, but White folks too will benefit. Being a member, or aspiring to be a member, of the oppressor class takes a social-emotional, mental health toll.
Esther HilliardTeaching students the truth about our history and current inequities is the only way to address them and move forward towards our country’s great goal of equality for all.
Ivars BalkitsEducation should not be propaganda but truth.
Jailenne Gil-ArroyoOur kids deserve to know the whole truth. Our kids deserve to be critical thinkers and think for themselves. By not teaching kids about these important issues, we raise an ignorant generation and it erases any past/present efforts to overcome systemic racism/sexism/etc.
James SalzmanWe are a great and imperfect country. Our aspirations are greater than our accomplishments to reach our aspirations, though, young people need to know the whole of our history so that they can be the change we need to be truly exceptional
John SchmiedingAll of us, of every race, will have better lives if our relationships, organizations, and our country are rooted in an understanding of history and a commitment to learning.
Kerry HoganWe must support teaching the truth. Without the ability to teach the truth, our democracy cannot stand, and this country will not live up to the Constitution's promise of "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.
Mara GiglioNo comment
Megan Ogdenwe will never heal until the truth is taught. Students deserve the truth. They deserve representation. They deserve teachers who understand the importance of advocacy and empathy. This all begins with teaching the entire story.
Megan RoseThere are currently two bills in the state of Ohio legislature, 322 & 327, that are seeking to limit how to teach history to student. I want to make sure that all students are taught through a multicultural perspective they tells all sides of specifically United States History. Ohio is among at least 22 states that have passed or are considering laws that set limits on how teachers can frame American history.
Nancy KnappLying to students about anything, but especially the history of their own country and people, is just plain wrong.
Samantha BarnumI believe in teaching truth.
Susanna ArnoldNo comment
Tanya HudsonNo comment

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