No new teachers in Lincoln sign pledge on March 11 to teach Critical Race Theory

By SE Nebraska News

Mar 13, 2022

There were no new teachers in Lincoln who signed the pledge on March 11, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 10, the day before. It now has five pledges from Lincoln 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 Lincoln teachers included, "I teach the real history of America, not a made up version that always paints the U.S. in a perfect light. Students need to understand the complex, and often ugly, history of our country in order to understand where we are today" and "I value truth!".

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 Lincoln who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Becky Boswell	I teach the real history of America, not a made up version that always paints the U.S. in a perfect light. Students need to understand the complex, and often ugly, history of our country in order to understand where we are today.
Carol Flora	No comment
Kara Viesca	The truth will set us free.
Natalie Perez	As a future educator, I don't think this is just at all. I want to continue to help change the world on my journey to become an educator, though this won't affect my state I can't believe the possibility of this being acceptable ANYWHERE. We will not be silenced! As a future teacher of color our future generations deserve the truth.
Stewart Venable	I value truth!