The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 22, the day before. It now has two pledges from Grand Haven teachers.
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 Grand Haven teachers included, "I became an educator because of education’s ability to make a positive change for marginalized groups. I refuse to jeopardize the safety of my minority students for the comfort of white supremacists" and "I became an educator because of education’s ability to make a positive change for marginalized groups. I refuse to jeopardize the safety of my minority students for the comfort of white supremacists".
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 |
|---|---|
| Christina Toppen | No comment |
| Molly McGinnis | I became an educator because of education’s ability to make a positive change for marginalized groups. I refuse to jeopardize the safety of my minority students for the comfort of white supremacists. |
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