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 South Portland teachers included, "I feel that in order to teach history accurately, we need to talk about all of it, not just a white-washed view. The only way to avoid making the same mistakes that were made in history, such as the Japanese American Internment during WWII, we need to teach kids about it" and "I have been a product of being taught falsehoods through my public education and it is time for the truth to be shared".
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 |
|---|---|
| Claire Ramsbotham | I feel that in order to teach history accurately, we need to talk about all of it, not just a white-washed view. The only way to avoid making the same mistakes that were made in history, such as the Japanese American Internment during WWII, we need to teach kids about it. |
| Joel Shroder | No comment |
| Paul Carignan | I have been a product of being taught falsehoods through my public education and it is time for the truth to be shared. |
| Terese Roberts | this is important. |
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