No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has three pledges from Rock Hill 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.
The new Rock Hill teacher wrote “We have to face our history before we can do better. We have to teach everybody’s history.” 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. 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 |
|---|---|
| Margaret Gillikin | I care about teaching the truth about American history, not to tear down the nation but to build it stronger. Our history has to reflect the experiences of all people, not just the wealthy white ones. |
| Claire Incorvati | I believe in teaching truthfully and factually to all students, regardless of how difficult that truth might be. |
| Margaret Gillikin | We have to face our history before we can do better. We have to teach everybody’s history. |
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