No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Washougal teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 Washougal teachers included “I have a responsibility to my students to be honest with them. As a music teacher, much of our history can be learned through our music, and our children deserve to know that history.” and “not telling the truth - ne, lying - flies directly in the face of my moral obligation to students in my classroom.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Stephanie Holtman | I have a responsibility to my students to be honest with them. As a music teacher, much of our history can be learned through our music, and our children deserve to know that history. |
| Jason Barnes | not telling the truth - ne, lying - flies directly in the face of my moral obligation to students in my classroom. |
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