No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has one pledge from Jamestown teachers by the end of the week ending March 19.
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 Jamestown teacher wrote “we have three simple rules in our classroom . . . be kind, think freely and inquire often! Any attempt to limit either of the three is antithetical to all this country stands for. If reprising the role of John Thomas Scopes becomes necessary I stand ready and willing!” 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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.
Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.
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 |
|---|---|
| Donnie Wilkerson | we have three simple rules in our classroom . . . be kind, think freely and inquire often! Any attempt to limit either of the three is antithetical to all this country stands for. If reprising the role of John Thomas Scopes becomes necessary I stand ready and willing! |
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