The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 20, the day before. It now has two pledges from Putney 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 Putney teachers included, "It is all of our duty and responsibility to make sure that a historical truth is examined from all perspectives. Without this fluidity of thought, the dangers of fascism and racism begin to pool and infect surrounding communities" and "This is an absolutely critical step in this country's development".
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 |
|---|---|
| Karen Guttentag | This is an absolutely critical step in this country's development. |
| Scott Moore | It is all of our duty and responsibility to make sure that a historical truth is examined from all perspectives. Without this fluidity of thought, the dangers of fascism and racism begin to pool and infect surrounding communities. |
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