Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Florence stagnates at four

By Lane County News

Dec 24, 2021

There were no new teachers in Florence who signed the pledge on Dec. 22, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 21, the day before. It now has four pledges from Florence 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 Florence teachers included, "Racism is perpetuated by people who refuse to acknowledge it. History should be taught and it should be honest and dynamic and offer a critical lens so we can actually do better" and "It is our duty and responsibility to teach the truth in history. When we teach the truth, with all of its messy contradictons, students become more engaged in our democracy. We need that now more than ever".

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 Florence who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Alexandra Ottaway	Our kids will be embarrassed in front of kids from other countries when they grow up to meet them when they find out they know more about our history than we know of theirs.To understate it completely.
Hilary Roach	No comment
Kelly Carlisle	Racism is perpetuated by people who refuse to acknowledge it. History should be taught and it should be honest and dynamic and offer a critical lens so we can actually do better.
Mary Cowhey	It is our duty and responsibility to teach the truth in history. When we teach the truth, with all of its messy contradictons, students become more engaged in our democracy. We need that now more than ever.