No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has four pledges from Woodinville teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 15.
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 new Woodinville teachers included “I believe it is our responsibility to teach students the truth, even if it is unflattering or difficult to accept. By teaching both history and current events, alongside compassion and action, we can help students understand how history impacts present-day and allow them to form their own opinions. As educators, we can create the understanding and opportunity for positive change.” and “It is my responsibility as an educator to deepen my knowledge about implicit and explicit racism, inequities for marginalized groups, cultural knowledge of diverse populations, and discriminatory practices so I can inform my actions and advocacy for anit-racism and equity. In order to develop cultural competence and promote justice for all, I must learn about and pay attention to the ways historical contexts contribute to current realities and inequities. Our students deserve nothing less.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Andrea Schneider | I believe it is our responsibility to teach students the truth, even if it is unflattering or difficult to accept. By teaching both history and current events, alongside compassion and action, we can help students understand how history impacts present-day and allow them to form their own opinions. As educators, we can create the understanding and opportunity for positive change. |
| Andrea Schneider | It is my responsibility as an educator to deepen my knowledge about implicit and explicit racism, inequities for marginalized groups, cultural knowledge of diverse populations, and discriminatory practices so I can inform my actions and advocacy for anit-racism and equity. In order to develop cultural competence and promote justice for all, I must learn about and pay attention to the ways historical contexts contribute to current realities and inequities. Our students deserve nothing less. |
| Ashley Lovern | “no comment” |
| Valerie Olson | I care deeply that each of my students can see themselves in and feel honored by the lessons that are taught in our schoolhouses. We as a society deserve to know the truth and be able to move forward honestly, justly, and as people who care for each other. |
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