The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has five pledges from Rochester 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 Rochester teachers included, "We inhabit the ancestral home of the Haudenasaunee people along the banks of the Genesee River, Lake Ontario, and the Finger Lakes. We use their language and names for many natural phenomena but we do not know the meanings of the words" and "I believe it is the responsibility of every educator to help students develop critical thinking and learn how to evaluate historical fact from propaganda".
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 |
|---|---|
| Dorothy Mapes | No comment |
| Kristine Fredrick | We inhabit the ancestral home of the Haudenasaunee people along the banks of the Genesee River, Lake Ontario, and the Finger Lakes. We use their language and names for many natural phenomena but we do not know the meanings of the words. |
| Lisa Levi | oppression and systematic racism has gone on too long. I have done my part to embrace all children, but more needs to be done at a higher level. |
| Rev. James Swarts | I believe it is the responsibility of every educator to help students develop critical thinking and learn how to evaluate historical fact from propaganda. |
| Susan Sturm | Anti-racist teaching matters and I vow to help train teacher candidates to be anti-racist! |
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