No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has seven pledges from Des Moines teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 28.
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.
The new Des Moines teacher wrote “My students have the right to a fact-based, critical examination of our country and world. The (yes, problematic) founders of our country recognized the need for an educated citizenry, one not swayed by demogoguery or propaganda. The health of our democracy depends on students understanding all aspects of our country's past, not just those that paint a pretty picture.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Katy Swalwell | Our kids deserve the truth. |
| Colton Reetz | “no comment” |
| Leslie Barnhizer | “no comment” |
| Katy Swalwell | The truth will set us free. |
| La Toshia Burrell | Teaching the truth about U.S. History is unethical, shameful, and quite simply a lie to our children. They (kids) deserve better and being equipped with knowledge of truth, although ugly, will only provide them to love, show empathy, and compassion for others. Blocking such education only does the opposite which shows lack of character and avoidance to cover up ugly truths. |
| Shawn Voshell | Students need to know the truth of our history to participate in creating a more just world. |
| Stacy Schmidt | My students have the right to a fact-based, critical examination of our country and world. The (yes, problematic) founders of our country recognized the need for an educated citizenry, one not swayed by demogoguery or propaganda. The health of our democracy depends on students understanding all aspects of our country's past, not just those that paint a pretty picture. |
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