No new teachers in Sanford sign pledge on Oct. 13 to teach Critical Race Theory

By South Triangle News

Oct 15, 2021

There were no new teachers in Sanford who signed the pledge on Oct. 13, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 12, the day before. It now has two pledges from Sanford 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 Sanford teachers included, "I am a teacher. I teach the truth, good or bad. It is my moral and ethical obligation not to lie to my students. If we don't examine the mistakes of the past, we are doomed to repeat them. Facts are not politics. Facts aren't different because of your political beliefs. Facts are facts and that's what I will teach" and "I am a teacher. I teach the truth, good or bad. It is my moral and ethical obligation not to lie to my students. If we don't examine the mistakes of the past, we are doomed to repeat them. Facts are not politics. Facts aren't different because of your political beliefs. Facts are facts and that's what I will teach".

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 Sanford who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Indya Champney	No comment
Michele Oliver	I am a teacher. I teach the truth, good or bad. It is my moral and ethical obligation not to lie to my students. If we don't examine the mistakes of the past, we are doomed to repeat them. Facts are not politics. Facts aren't different because of your political beliefs. Facts are facts and that's what I will teach.