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 Paoli teachers included, "It is my responsibility as an American historian, educator, and school leader to ensure that students are told the truth about human experience in all of its complexity, to effectively prepare them to engage with the world" and "We can't address the injustices of racism if we don't confront the full truth of our history. How can we move toward a more equitable democracy if we aren't willing to look at how discrimination of all types impacts our society?".
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 |
|---|---|
| Deb Madonna | We can't address the injustices of racism if we don't confront the full truth of our history. How can we move toward a more equitable democracy if we aren't willing to look at how discrimination of all types impacts our society? |
| Liz Willis | It is my responsibility as an American historian, educator, and school leader to ensure that students are told the truth about human experience in all of its complexity, to effectively prepare them to engage with the world. |
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