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 Jersey City teachers included, "I want students in the US to learn the truth" and "Without being honest about the past and present, we can't build a better future. Our students deserve to know the truth so that they can make up their own minds".
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 |
|---|---|
| Grace O'Keeffe | No comment |
| Maria Plochocki | Without being honest about the past and present, we can't build a better future. Our students deserve to know the truth so that they can make up their own minds. |
| Michele MacK | No comment |
| Sariah Hoskins | I want students in the US to learn the truth |
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