No new teachers in Blacksburg sign pledge on Jan. 7 to teach Critical Race Theory

There were no new teachers in Blacksburg who signed the pledge on Jan. 7, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 6, the day before. It now has three pledges from Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg teachers included, “Students should be able to learn about all aspects of our history – good and bad. It’s part of making our country better” and “Our students deserve the opportunity to learn about all of our nation’s history, for without it, then we are not preparing them to think critically or act responsibly in our democratic society”.

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.”