The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 1, the day before. It now has 14 pledges from Buffalo 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 Buffalo teachers included, "I’m opposed to government mandated falsification of history" and "The world in a classroom goes beyond just our own personal individual experiences that we have faced. I never learned in school that Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves with the sole intention to use them for the war, and then send them off to Liberia. That whole part of history never existed in my classroom. Why was that left out?I have taught in multiple schools with multiple socioeconomic statuses, and there is so much disconnect. Many teachers need to understand the struggles that exist out there in the world for POC, along with students. Whitewashing history to make America seem like the perfect place doesn’t do anyone any justice. The way you learn is to analyze mistakes and build on them. That is when we can make true change and start building a country where everyone succeeds".
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 |
|---|---|
| Alex Simonetti | Time will inevitably uncover dishonesty and lies; history has no place for them." I refuse to lie to my students. |
| Andrew Notaro | The world in a classroom goes beyond just our own personal individual experiences that we have faced. I never learned in school that Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves with the sole intention to use them for the war, and then send them off to Liberia. That whole part of history never existed in my classroom. Why was that left out?I have taught in multiple schools with multiple socioeconomic statuses, and there is so much disconnect. Many teachers need to understand the struggles that exist out there in the world for POC, along with students. Whitewashing history to make America seem like the perfect place doesn’t do anyone any justice. The way you learn is to analyze mistakes and build on them. That is when we can make true change and start building a country where everyone succeeds. |
| Chris Mahalic | History is about truth and learning from earlier mistakes, by attempting to whitewash history the same mistakes will e make over and over again. |
| Christina Held-Hulsing | My students deserve the whole story about our nation's history. Since they are going to be entrusted with creating a more inclusive future, they need to know about the mistakes that we have made in the past. |
| Diane Picard | The truth about race and racism in our past and present needs to be taught, acknowledged and discussed if we care about healing our country. What is the point of education if not truth-telling? |
| Gina M. Sully | Facts matter. |
| Jean Gregorek | No comment |
| John Abromeit | I’m opposed to government mandated falsification of history. |
| John McTigue | No comment |
| Kevin Weigel | We cover attempts to alter curriculum by politicians... The Scopes Trial is a classic example. Twain famously said, "History may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme." When will these politicians learn? |
| Laurie Bowers | I can't believe this is even an issue! I would have been so much more informed in school if I knew then what I know now. The truth is the truth...nothing less is acceptable! |
| Mikhaila Schweikowsky | No comment |
| Nicole Castine | No comment |
| Robin Fischer | You cannot teach lies or evade the truth of American history |
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