The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 18, the day before. It now has three pledges from Eatontown 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 Eatontown teachers included, "We will be a stronger nation when all the truths about the United States history and present are told, examined and understood by all of those living here. When we reject the master narrative, we can include the voices of those who have long been silenced and create a more just nation" and "it is inherently important to teach all aspects of history, even those we are not comfortable with or embarrassed by. To ignore the truth in historical events and sources is to perpetuate a myth to students, thereby allowing the same injustices to occur in the future".
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 |
|---|---|
| Mary Jo Iarussi | No comment |
| Noel Delgado | it is inherently important to teach all aspects of history, even those we are not comfortable with or embarrassed by. To ignore the truth in historical events and sources is to perpetuate a myth to students, thereby allowing the same injustices to occur in the future. |
| Stacy Schiller | We will be a stronger nation when all the truths about the United States history and present are told, examined and understood by all of those living here. When we reject the master narrative, we can include the voices of those who have long been silenced and create a more just nation. |
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