Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Hesperia stagnates at three

By Victor Valley Times

Nov 24, 2021

There were no new teachers in Hesperia who signed the pledge on Nov. 23, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 22, the day before. It now has three pledges from Hesperia 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 Hesperia teachers included, "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" 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 in Hesperia who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

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.