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 Hesperia teachers included, "I cannot continue to spout false history that’s erased the victories and struggles of minorities in America" and "Students should be taught a meaningful and accurate depiction of United States history from multiple perspectives, including the essential perspectives of systematically oppressed individuals rather than the white-washed conceptions of so-called patriotic white Americans".
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 |
|---|---|
| Alexis Padilla | I cannot continue to spout false history that’s erased the victories and struggles of minorities in America. |
| Jeni Boulanger | History informs and defines us all, especially the hard history and our ability to acknowledge past mistakes. I can not and will not lie to my students. |
| Mike Mayo | Students should be taught a meaningful and accurate depiction of United States history from multiple perspectives, including the essential perspectives of systematically oppressed individuals rather than the white-washed conceptions of so-called patriotic white Americans. |
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