The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 25, the day before. It now has two pledges from Miramar 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 Miramar teachers included, "All students deserve to learn more than just a dominant narrative. Counter-narratives, especially the uncomfortable ones, can help students recognise the complexity of history and community. By talking about these stories, rather than burying or ignoring them, we can model a commitment to justice and create the potential for healing" and "All students deserve to learn more than just a dominant narrative. Counter-narratives, especially the uncomfortable ones, can help students recognise the complexity of history and community. By talking about these stories, rather than burying or ignoring them, we can model a commitment to justice and create the potential for healing".
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 |
---|---|
Adina Mujica | No comment |
Ben Roth Shank | All students deserve to learn more than just a dominant narrative. Counter-narratives, especially the uncomfortable ones, can help students recognise the complexity of history and community. By talking about these stories, rather than burying or ignoring them, we can model a commitment to justice and create the potential for healing. |