No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has three pledges from Lawton teachers by the end of the week ending March 12.
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 new Lawton teachers included “No matter how much lawmakers try to control and contain it, the truth will always be there, and I know what side of history I want to be on.” and “The truth matters. Education should always deal in truth, not mythology, or outright lies. We cannot change the past, but if we learn it accurately, we can find ways for all of us to move forward and create a better future for all 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. 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 |
|---|---|
| William Carney | “no comment” |
| Tyrell Albin | The truth matters. Education should always deal in truth, not mythology, or outright lies. We cannot change the past, but if we learn it accurately, we can find ways for all of us to move forward and create a better future for all Americans. |
| Jennie Hanna | No matter how much lawmakers try to control and contain it, the truth will always be there, and I know what side of history I want to be on. |
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