No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has one pledge from Bellevue 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.
The new Bellevue teacher wrote “I want my students of color to feel seen and their history heard and I want my white students to have the knowledge they need to help dismantle the systems that need torn down. I don't want any of my students to learn these truths 20 years out of school like I did, because I am embarrassed at the harm I've done out of ignorance.” when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
|---|---|
| Michelle Bodey | I want my students of color to feel seen and their history heard and I want my white students to have the knowledge they need to help dismantle the systems that need torn down. I don't want any of my students to learn these truths 20 years out of school like I did, because I am embarrassed at the harm I've done out of ignorance. |
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