The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 7, the day before. It now has seven pledges from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids teachers included, "As a teacher candidate, I believe my future students should have the right to learn about the truth of our nation's history" and "I am signing in honor of my beautiful and brilliant Black and Brown students; my ELL's, refugees, LGTBQIA+, and their allies; my White students who are still understanding their privilege; and the future of our nation and our world".
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 |
|---|---|
| Andrew Tisdale | No comment |
| Areli Berlanga | As a teacher candidate, I believe my future students should have the right to learn about the truth of our nation's history. |
| Janelle Miles | I am signing in honor of my beautiful and brilliant Black and Brown students; my ELL's, refugees, LGTBQIA+, and their allies; my White students who are still understanding their privilege; and the future of our nation and our world. |
| Jennifer Becker | No comment |
| Marcia Vanderwoude | No comment |
| Morgan Wright | No comment |
| Sarah Griesinger | No comment |
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