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 Hillsboro teachers included, "We can’t heal what we don’t acknowledge and the evidence of the harm done by the historical lack of accountability is increasingly painful" and "We all deserve to learn the truth, but even more so our Black, Indigenous, and Students of Color deserve better".
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 |
|---|---|
| Barbara Kraft | I am committed to teaching a fuller, more inclusive history of the United States. |
| Jenna Murphy | I want all of my students to feel seen, heard and allowed to express them selves exactly as the want and need |
| Jodi Lepla | We all deserve to learn the truth, but even more so our Black, Indigenous, and Students of Color deserve better. |
| Kelly Huff | We can’t heal what we don’t acknowledge and the evidence of the harm done by the historical lack of accountability is increasingly painful |
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