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 Nashua teachers included, "Understanding the influences on events and people in the past does not demonize, villainize, or blame a person sitting in the room across from me. Teaching how a belief shaped events that influence us today helps us both see how our own thoughts and feelings impact us currently and helps frame solutions. Is it not a measure of greatness to admit our wrongdoings and work tirelessly to address them?" and "Those who refuse to learn from the past are condemned to repeat it! We will never get out from under the racism that defines our country if we don’t teach our children why it’s wrong".
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 |
|---|---|
| Clare Ringwall | No comment |
| Jocelyn Merrill | Not only does a bill like NH HB544 add insult to injury, but it insults my students who are responsible and critical thinkers. They crave and deserve to have these "difficult" discussions in brave spaces like my classroom and in the classrooms of my fellow educators. As an English teacher, identity is one of the largest themes that my students and I tackle, and within that comes celebrating all parts of my students'. One of the most valid ways I can do that is through dialogue and offering literature that both speaks to them and their experience AND broadens their perspective on the experiences that people who do not look like them have. |
| Kate Soucy | I am committed to empowering students with knowledge and TRUTH. |
| Paul Menard | Understanding the influences on events and people in the past does not demonize, villainize, or blame a person sitting in the room across from me. Teaching how a belief shaped events that influence us today helps us both see how our own thoughts and feelings impact us currently and helps frame solutions. Is it not a measure of greatness to admit our wrongdoings and work tirelessly to address them? |
| Samantha Leone | Those who refuse to learn from the past are condemned to repeat it! We will never get out from under the racism that defines our country if we don’t teach our children why it’s wrong. |
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