There were no new teachers in Kankakee who signed the pledge on Feb. 26, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.
The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 25, the day before. It now has one pledge from Kankakee teacher.
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.
The Kankakee teacher wrote “To ignore the role that racism, sexism, and xenophobia played in the development of the United States does a disservice to ALL students and provides them with an incomplete picture of not only OUR history, but also leaves them unequipped to identify and work to solve the problems WE face today.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Pete Bretzlaff | To ignore the role that racism, sexism, and xenophobia played in the development of the United States does a disservice to ALL students and provides them with an incomplete picture of not only OUR history, but also leaves them unequipped to identify and work to solve the problems WE face today. |
