The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has 14 pledges from Portland 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 Portland teachers included, "Education is about sharing knowledge, not mis-information. Students deserve to learn history from different perspectives, and the history of this country includes much more than the conquests and successes of white men. How can things get better if we don't teach them how the problems were created in the first place? Racism isn't an individual problem. It's a systemic problem, and can't be changed if we leave that crucial information out of students education" and "Our youngest learners especially, should know true history as they learn to navigate our world".
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 |
|---|---|
| Amy Zanghi | Education is about sharing knowledge, not mis-information. Students deserve to learn history from different perspectives, and the history of this country includes much more than the conquests and successes of white men. How can things get better if we don't teach them how the problems were created in the first place? Racism isn't an individual problem. It's a systemic problem, and can't be changed if we leave that crucial information out of students education. |
| Chelsea Clyde | Our youngest learners especially, should know true history as they learn to navigate our world. |
| Franki Dennison | No comment |
| Laura Rodriguez | No comment |
| Liz Fouther-Branch | I am signing for those of us that became educators based on the laws that required a free and public education for all student. I also believe that our young people have a right to learn "all" of the history of the United States in order to become critical thinkers and to make decisions about the policies and practices that no longer serve the greater good of this country. |
| Meg Scata | I believe we need to teach facts from experts Frederick Douglass quote: For it is not light that is needed, but fire...For it is not light that is needed, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake. |
| Michelle Schardt | There is a huge misinformation campaign against critical race theory. If we do not teach the institutional practices that have lead us to the inequitable circumstances in our country, we will perpetrate the injustices. Critical race theory explains why there are more Black men and women incarcerated, why Black, brown and indigenous students graduate from high school at much lower rates than their white peers. If we understand more, we can do better. |
| Rebecca Dumeyer | Living, loving, nurturing society can only be successful if we understand, examine, and learn truth. |
| Susan Andree | It is so important that we protect the ability of teachers to engage in culturally responsive teaching. This includes honest history, cultural vocabulary, and affirming that all children are safe, seen, valued, and feel that they belong. |
| Suzanne Cooper | We have a responsibility to teach true history so that we help raise children who can change our unjust world! |
| Suzie Peachin | No comment |
| Suzie Peachin | Educators don't hide the truth from students or ourselves. |
| Ted Dreier | No comment |
| Virginia Warfield | ALL students have the right to know accurate history and how systems of oppression interact to maintain and reinforce racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression which run counter to the values and ideals of a true democracy. |
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