No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has four pledges from Bozeman teachers by the end of the week ending Aug. 07.
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 Bozeman teacher wrote “The distortion of history taught in Montana schools is a disservice to the citizens of Montana.Teaching history included the defense of proof and the responsibility to teach whole truth which does include the realities of slavery and how it has shaped our country.” 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. 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 |
|---|---|
| Siobhan Gilmartin | “no comment” |
| Josh Rassi | “no comment” |
| Heidi Robison | I believe the path of progress, healing, and social transformation (whether reconciliation, redefintion, or positive change) only take place when we are honest about our past. |
| Joana Kirchhoff | The distortion of history taught in Montana schools is a disservice to the citizens of Montana.Teaching history included the defense of proof and the responsibility to teach whole truth which does include the realities of slavery and how it has shaped our country. |
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