The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has three pledges from Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City teachers included, "You are entitle to your own opinions, but you are not entitled to your own facts" and "I know my history. When you know, you’ll do everything in your power to ensure the truth always comes out. My ancestors endured so much for me to be sitting here today. I am their wildest dream. Who am I to sit around while they remove the voices of the Global Majority and People of Color. Education is our Protest".
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 |
|---|---|
| Danielle Jones | I know my history. When you know, you’ll do everything in your power to ensure the truth always comes out. My ancestors endured so much for me to be sitting here today. I am their wildest dream. Who am I to sit around while they remove the voices of the Global Majority and People of Color. Education is our Protest. |
| Kelli Roberts | No comment |
| Leslie Jones | You are entitle to your own opinions, but you are not entitled to your own facts. |
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