The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 9, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Shaker Heights 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 Shaker Heights teachers included, "I know the power of honest reflection. Our kids deserve to grapple with the past so that they can make the future better" and "Until we are honest and transparent about our history, NOTHING will change. The systemic racist systems in place will continue to be embedded and grow".
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 |
|---|---|
| Kelly Sherwin | “Truth and reconciliation are sequential” -Bryan Stevenson |
| Lauren Calig | Until we are honest and transparent about our history, NOTHING will change. The systemic racist systems in place will continue to be embedded and grow. |
| Lauren Calig | Until we teach the truth about systemic racism, we will not be able to change the systems. |
| Lora Cover | I know the power of honest reflection. Our kids deserve to grapple with the past so that they can make the future better. |
| Tamar Cloyd | Our children deserve and desire to know the truth!! We will do it by any means necessary; whether in the classroom or in our households. |
| Tamar Cloyd | The truth is the only option… |
| Tamara Heldman | I care about my students and know that they must learn the truth about our country so that they we all may have justice. |
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