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 Kailua teachers included, "I believe in order for our country to be more just and equitable, our students need to know the good and bad of our history. Our students need to understand what happened in the past lead to what is happening currently and that they can change what they don't agree with. There is no agenda here other than truth" and "Acknowledging and reckoning with the truths of the past, no matter how terrible, is essential to moving forward as a country, as a people, to building a future of unity and equity where all people are free. We must equip our students with truth, and the ability to question and converse about history and the role it plays in the present and 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 |
|---|---|
| Annalise Busekrus | Acknowledging and reckoning with the truths of the past, no matter how terrible, is essential to moving forward as a country, as a people, to building a future of unity and equity where all people are free. We must equip our students with truth, and the ability to question and converse about history and the role it plays in the present and future. |
| Candace Andrada | I believe in order for our country to be more just and equitable, our students need to know the good and bad of our history. Our students need to understand what happened in the past lead to what is happening currently and that they can change what they don't agree with. There is no agenda here other than truth. |
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