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 Peoria teachers included, "When I was a student, my history classes were taught with a white bias. It wasn't until later that I learned more details about the atrocities against Native Americans and even African Americans. I believe that the truth should be taught!" and "We can not change our current situation without learning from our past".
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 |
|---|---|
| Breanna Malmos | No comment |
| Chelsea Charlton | No comment |
| Kaitlin Griffin | Students deserve the truth. |
| Melissa Girmscheid | No comment |
| Paige Dehaan | No comment |
| Stephanie Churchill | When I was a student, my history classes were taught with a white bias. It wasn't until later that I learned more details about the atrocities against Native Americans and even African Americans. I believe that the truth should be taught! |
| Tina Sanders | We can not change our current situation without learning from our past. |
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