The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 18, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Bothell 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 Bothell teachers included, "We owe it to our kids to tell the truth about who we have been in order to allow them to forge a new path for our future" and "I believe in the dignity of all children and their capacity to recognize the dignity of others if we expose to the truth of present and past history as is age appropriate. I have found if small children are in a mixed group of children of various heritages they do not form prejudices".
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 |
|---|---|
| Catherine Lewis | We owe it to our kids to tell the truth about who we have been in order to allow them to forge a new path for our future. |
| Jeanne Flahiff | I want to teach the truth. |
| Jenna Pratt | I refuse to be silent. I desire to uphold Holocaust survivor Ellie Wiesel's comment "We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. |
| Kayla Ellison | No comment |
| Mary Klein | I believe in the dignity of all children and their capacity to recognize the dignity of others if we expose to the truth of present and past history as is age appropriate. I have found if small children are in a mixed group of children of various heritages they do not form prejudices. |
| Melissa Riley | Teaching the truth is the right thing to do for kids. |
| Michele Taylor | No comment |
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