No new teachers in Springfield in June sign pledge to teach Critical Race Theory

By Springfield Standard

Jul 12, 2022

There were no new teachers in Springfield who signed the pledge in June, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by three teachers the month before. It now has three pledges from Springfield teachers by June.

They are 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.

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. Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Tennessee have passed legislation banning discussions about the US being inherently racist.

Other states, such as Montana and Georgia, have denounced the teachings and are discussing a ban on critical race theory teachings.

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 in Springfield who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Kyle Wallace	Teaching about history as it is related to literature is essential to learning. How can I teach about the early history of the United States and not include Native American narratives along with slavery and African American voices? Banning the teaching materials only shows some legislators ignorance and intolerance of the struggle people of color have had and continue to have in this country. Should we also take out Irish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Jewish immigrant narratives also? I will not be bullied by legislators over the material that I teach. That is why I am signing my name. Sincerely,Kyle Wallace
Richard Schur	American literary history is messy, complicated, and all-too-often shaped by questions of race. To truly be a patriot and love this country, we need to understand the stories that have been told and the ones that are missing or hidden. America is only strong when everyone is thriving. To be a true patriot, we need to grapple with the good and bad of history, so we can help realize the principles of freedom and equality that founded the country, even if we have not always met those lofty ideals.
Katie Timm	we can't and shouldn't be ignoring and/or rewriting history. We owe to out children to teach them the truth.