Cedar Rapids Today

There were no new teachers in Cedar Rapids who signed the pledge on Nov. 20, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Nov. 19, the day before. It now has three pledges from Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids teachers included, "I care about students - and they deserve to know the truth. They are able to handle uncomfortable realities and are engaged in these discussions - even if the governing bodies in this state are not" and "In order for our democratic republic to survive, we need an informed citizenry that understands the complexities that make up U.S. History. This will allow our students to become critical consumers of information and to be civically engaged".

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
Chris Rolwes	In order for our democratic republic to survive, we need an informed citizenry that understands the complexities that make up U.S. History. This will allow our students to become critical consumers of information and to be civically engaged.
Julie Bradley	Our students deserve the truth!
Michelle Frye	I care about students - and they deserve to know the truth. They are able to handle uncomfortable realities and are engaged in these discussions - even if the governing bodies in this state are not.