No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has two pledges from Bridgeport teachers by the end of the week ending Feb. 12.
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 new Bridgeport teachers included “To paraphrase the words of esteemed former Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but NOT to their own FACTS.” and “Hiding the truth of our nation’s history does not prepare our young people to be active participants in an active and inclusive democracy.”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Annie Neeley Kirkpatrick | Hiding the truth of our nation’s history does not prepare our young people to be active participants in an active and inclusive democracy. |
| Anna Smucker | To paraphrase the words of esteemed former Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but NOT to their own FACTS. |
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