There were no new teachers in Elmwood Park who signed the pledge on Oct. 11, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.
The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 10, the day before. It now has four pledges from Elmwood Park 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 Elmwood Park teachers included, “I refuse to disrespect my ancestors or those of my students by lying to them about U.S. history and current events!” and “We’ve come to far to bud the truth now”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Inga Lucans | Facts are facts |
| Jackie Carmona | I refuse to disrespect my ancestors or those of my students by lying to them about U.S. history and current events! |
| Jocelyn Vale | We’ve come to far to bud the truth now. |
| Tom O’Brien | No comment |
