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 Springfield teachers included, "I have over 28 years in the classroom. Howard Zinn transformed my thinking, based on evidence, and changed the way I saw my students and the world. We must admit the very act of telling the truth about history is, in itself revolutionary" and "I have over 28 years in the classroom. Howard Zinn transformed my thinking, based on evidence, and changed the way I saw my students and the world. We must admit the very act of telling the truth about history is, in itself revolutionary".
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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Cody Rosenberg | No comment |
| Fred Merwin | I have over 28 years in the classroom. Howard Zinn transformed my thinking, based on evidence, and changed the way I saw my students and the world. We must admit the very act of telling the truth about history is, in itself revolutionary. |
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