Online pledge to teach controversial Critical Race Theory signed by five Fayetteville teachers by week ending Sept. 25

By Fayetteville Standard

Oct 9, 2021

Critical Race Theory will be taught by five teachers in Fayetteville who’ve signed an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project by the week ending Sept. 25.

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 Fayetteville teachers included, "I am proud to teach African American history. When I am teaching US history I make sure that my Black students see the courage, determination, and genius of our people. I do not want another Black child to think that African Americans made no contribution to the development of the US" and "Education is the first step in understanding and identifying changeZ the work begins with the hope of understanding our past".

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 in Fayetteville who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Francena Turner	We deserve the full truth.
Jamiere Abney	It is key for Young people to recognize the context of history that continues to impact the world today. Further, BIPOC, low income, LGBTQ+, and other historically marginalized populations, deserve for their narrative to be integrated in daily learning to create proper empathy and understanding.
Latasha MacK	Education is the first step in understanding and identifying changeZ the work begins with the hope of understanding our past
Lillian Baker	I am proud to teach African American history. When I am teaching US history I make sure that my Black students see the courage, determination, and genius of our people. I do not want another Black child to think that African Americans made no contribution to the development of the US.
Michelle Wolchok	I will not lie to my students.