The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 26, the day before. It now has four pledges from Baldwin 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 Baldwin teachers included, "Children should know the good, the bad, and the ugly about American History" and "I taught for 20 years in a NYC public schools. Maintain academic freedom and teach the truth".
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 |
---|---|
Anita Faulding | I taught for 20 years in a NYC public schools. Maintain academic freedom and teach the truth. |
Candice Walker | No comment |
Candice Walker | Children should know the good, the bad, and the ugly about American History. |
Gwenn Crupi | Our children should not grow up with incorrect history. Those who do not know their history are destined to repeat it, whether nuanced or not. |