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 Elmhurst teachers included, "We live in a multicultural society. We ALWAYS have been! History should be taught from a multicultural lens. Anything else is just white supremacy. It’s time!" and "I believe that things need to change".
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 |
|---|---|
| Christian Montalvo | I believe that things need to change. |
| Elke Lerman | No comment |
| Katherine Martinez | No comment |
| Lindsey Ditomasso | I teach hard history.Because it's easy not to care if you don't know what's going on.Because I refuse to lie to my students.Because I value a shared world where equal opportunity and civil liberties and due process are available to all.Because I believe we can undo generations of systemic oppression. |
| Maria Ponciano | We live in a multicultural society. We ALWAYS have been! History should be taught from a multicultural lens. Anything else is just white supremacy. It’s time! |
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