There were no new teachers in Kansas who signed the pledge on Nov. 14, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.
The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 13, the day before. It now has one pledge from Kansas teacher.
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.
The Kansas teacher wrote “I am committed to telling the truth to my students. I will not gloss over or omit the ugly parts of our history and our present. It is only through understanding that we can move forward.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Anna Lenardson | I am committed to telling the truth to my students. I will not gloss over or omit the ugly parts of our history and our present. It is only through understanding that we can move forward. |
