No new teachers in Niles sign pledge on Oct. 8 to teach Critical Race Theory

By Trumball News

Oct 10, 2021

There were no new teachers in Niles who signed the pledge on Oct. 8, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 7, the day before. It now has two pledges from Niles 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 Niles teachers included, "I am not an educator, but I am a human being who is a citizen of the United States and I am entitled to the truth. My children and my childrens children are entitled to the truth. How can we move forward if we refuse to recognize our history?" and "I believe in empowering my students to become the positive change our world needs. This generation needs to hear the truth from educators so that they can pave the road for our country that is filled with intelligence, truth, and love. History repeats...If we do not know the truth, we can not figure out how to avoid repeating those same mistakes..".

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 Niles who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Stacy Gaugler	I am not an educator, but I am a human being who is a citizen of the United States and I am entitled to the truth. My children and my childrens children are entitled to the truth. How can we move forward if we refuse to recognize our history?
Stephanie Blose	I believe in empowering my students to become the positive change our world needs. This generation needs to hear the truth from educators so that they can pave the road for our country that is filled with intelligence, truth, and love. History repeats...If we do not know the truth, we can not figure out how to avoid repeating those same mistakes...