Six teachers in San Rafael pledge to teach controversial Critical Race Theory by week ending Oct. 16

By Marin Leader

Oct 30, 2021

Critical Race Theory will be taught by six teachers in San Rafael who’ve signed an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project by the week ending Oct. 16.

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 San Rafael teachers included, "Our students need to know the truth" and "As a wildlife biologist who educates children and adults about the beautiful places in their backyards, it's my responsibility to tell the whole truth of these places and not a white-washed version".

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 San Rafael who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Adele Maze	I am signing my name because I believe in racial equality and my energy and efforts will be directed toward achieving this. I will teach with my heart and mind wide open and with a strong passionate voice. Through image and word, color, texture and bold visual art, we will publicly communicate and portray the serious problems in our communities AND the solutions that will benefit all people.
Ben Eiseman	Our students need to know the truth.
Erin Frazier	No comment
Linda Price	I believe everyone needs to know the truth of our history. We can never move forward as a civilisation unless we face hard truths.
Lisa Michl	As a wildlife biologist who educates children and adults about the beautiful places in their backyards, it's my responsibility to tell the whole truth of these places and not a white-washed version.
Marisa Gomez	No comment