The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 25, the day before. It now has four pledges from Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek teachers included, "The truth is crucial and I will not teach lies" and "My teaching philosophy is “No history, no self. Know history, know self.” I deserved to learn the truth growing up, and future generations deserve it as well".
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 |
|---|---|
| Brenda Barnhart | No comment |
| Monica Gonzales | My teaching philosophy is “No history, no self. Know history, know self.” I deserved to learn the truth growing up, and future generations deserve it as well. |
| Victoria Breakstone | The truth is crucial and I will not teach lies. |
| Wendy Reeves-Hampton | Moving forward, ALL students deserve the truth about the past. |
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