The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 23, the day before. It now has three pledges from Bremerton 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 Bremerton teachers included, "I refuse to lie to my students. Teaching the truth about the history of the United States means acknowledging the good, the bad, and the ugly. My role is not to censor historically accurate information. My job is to provide students with the critical thinking skills necessary to make sense of our past and influence the future in positive ways" and "Understanding our past - all of it - is the only way to secure the interest of our future. Presenting multiple perspectives is the key to developing critical thinking skills".
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 |
|---|---|
| Depree Pounds | As a an African American Christian Homeschooler, I purpose myself to teach history truthfully with intentionality of sharing wholly the atrocities and brutality of the many beautiful indigenous people groups and cultures that once lived throughout North and South America. I have come across many curricula ; making it's boast upon the Advancement of the American People, finding glory in Conquest;' minimizing the enslavement and genocide of Indigenous peoples. Dehumanizing them through cultural assimilation and religious oppression. Through teaching the truth, I have the opportunity to help my children understand our past and how racism not only affected them then but us today. We must keep the torch lit of knowledge and truth burning. I take the education of my children seriously. I take the sacrifice of my ancestors not in vain. The truth will prevail. |
| Jenn Rumpke | Understanding our past - all of it - is the only way to secure the interest of our future. Presenting multiple perspectives is the key to developing critical thinking skills. |
| Jennifer Rumpke | I refuse to lie to my students. Teaching the truth about the history of the United States means acknowledging the good, the bad, and the ugly. My role is not to censor historically accurate information. My job is to provide students with the critical thinking skills necessary to make sense of our past and influence the future in positive ways. |
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