No new teachers in Brighton sign pledge on April 21 to teach Critical Race Theory

By Adams County Times

Apr 23, 2022

There were no new teachers in Brighton who signed the pledge on April 21, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on April 20, the day before. It now has five pledges from Brighton 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 Brighton teachers included, "I am afraid for our democracy, and legislation banning something that is not even taught, is VERY DANGEROUS!!! Democracy is being threatened and I am on the front lines daily. Students have access to all information online, so by manipulating our teaching, they hope to continue White Supremacy, and BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!" and "I will not allow my students to live in ignorance about how we have come to our position today in 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.”

Teachers in Brighton who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Alden Dearborn	No comment
Deborah Figueroa	No comment
Julia Gustin	I will not allow my students to live in ignorance about how we have come to our position today in society.
Molly Camp	No comment
Shannon Headley	I am afraid for our democracy, and legislation banning something that is not even taught, is VERY DANGEROUS!!! Democracy is being threatened and I am on the front lines daily. Students have access to all information online, so by manipulating our teaching, they hope to continue White Supremacy, and BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!