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 Fort Madison teachers included, "I refuse to lie to my students about US History. Iowa has passed a law banning the truth and I can't stand for it" and "Students need to know the good and the bad, where we have succeeded and where we have failed in our collective pursuit of justice and liberty for all".
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 |
|---|---|
| Dominique Akpore | I refuse to lie to my students about US History. Iowa has passed a law banning the truth and I can't stand for it. |
| Shalisse Johnstun | Students need to know the good and the bad, where we have succeeded and where we have failed in our collective pursuit of justice and liberty for all. |
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