The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has six pledges from Phoenix 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 Phoenix teachers included, "We must put up a fight for what is just and combat these unjust laws. This unjust legislation upholds violent institutions that will continue to abuse marginalized communities while refusing to face historical facts and our experiences" and "Because Marxism is dangerous".
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 |
|---|---|
| Admaira Roman | We must put up a fight for what is just and combat these unjust laws. This unjust legislation upholds violent institutions that will continue to abuse marginalized communities while refusing to face historical facts and our experiences. |
| Kareem Neal | students deserve the truth. |
| Kerrilee Wing | No comment |
| Natasha Alston | I teach true history to empower all my students. |
| Tom Moore | Because Marxism is dangerous. |
| Wilma Rice | Honesty is the best policy. Our last administration in the White House showed us what chaos occrs when lies are told and believed. |
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