The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 23, the day before. It now has two pledges from Canyon Lake 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 Canyon Lake teachers included, "“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana) History helps students understand the roots of inequality today and gives them the tools to shape a just future. It is not just a history of oppression, but also a history of how people have organized and created coalitions across race, class, and gender. The new laws being ushered in by GOP legislatures are a form of doublespeak. George Orwell's 1984 novel warns us against doublespeak. It used to be fiction" and "“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”–George Santayana".
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 |
|---|---|
| Jana Harter | “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana) History helps students understand the roots of inequality today and gives them the tools to shape a just future. It is not just a history of oppression, but also a history of how people have organized and created coalitions across race, class, and gender. The new laws being ushered in by GOP legislatures are a form of doublespeak. George Orwell's 1984 novel warns us against doublespeak. It used to be fiction. |
| Jana Harter | “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”–George Santayana |
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