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.
The Baltimore teacher wrote "I am a follower of Jesus and I believe that to follow Jesus is to recognize and confront the effects of sin both on an individual and institutional level. I believe that the pervasiveness of racism in our society is damaging for everyone. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to teach truth which has the power to bring freedom and healing." when pledging to teach Critical Race Theory.
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 |
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Azure Kline | I am a follower of Jesus and I believe that to follow Jesus is to recognize and confront the effects of sin both on an individual and institutional level. I believe that the pervasiveness of racism in our society is damaging for everyone. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to teach truth which has the power to bring freedom and healing. |