No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has four pledges from Ontario teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 15.
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 new Ontario teachers included “I am an educator by trade but I'm also a Christian or a follower of Christ by choice, and I make every effort to live my life according to the biblical principles and values as taught throughout the Bible, especially the Gospels of the New Testament. Therefore, love must be at the center of everything we do. "Love that does not satisfy justice is no love at all." (MLK). But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream! Amos 5:24 NV. Accordingly, I stand with those who are for truth-telling and uplifting the power of organizing and solidarity that move us toward a more just society in America and a more just world.” and “The truth will set you free!”.
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 |
|---|---|
| Jose Luna | Education is important. The truth is important. |
| Oscar Segovia | I am committed to teaching the young people of America the truth, the good the bad and the ugly, about how this wonderful Nation was founded and continues to blossom via truth and understanding of our past. |
| Caroline Bromley | The truth will set you free! |
| Chauncey Mann III | I am an educator by trade but I'm also a Christian or a follower of Christ by choice, and I make every effort to live my life according to the biblical principles and values as taught throughout the Bible, especially the Gospels of the New Testament. Therefore, love must be at the center of everything we do. "Love that does not satisfy justice is no love at all." (MLK). But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream! Amos 5:24 NV. Accordingly, I stand with those who are for truth-telling and uplifting the power of organizing and solidarity that move us toward a more just society in America and a more just world. |
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