No new teachers in Indianapolis sign pledge on Jan. 10 to teach Critical Race Theory

By Indy Standard

Jan 12, 2022

There were no new teachers in Indianapolis who signed the pledge on Jan. 10, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Jan. 9, the day before. It now has three pledges from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis teachers included, "Students of all ages and backgrounds deserve an honest education, and dedicated educators who are willing to imagine a better world with them" and "I believe that the truth needs to be taught in public schools. It saddens me to see so many children in my classroom with very low self esteem. If we could only teach them how much people of color have contributed to this nation, maybe they would be encouraged to strive for good grades, to participate in their education".

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 Indianapolis who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Clare Wildhack-Nolan	No comment
Leticia Alvarez	I believe that the truth needs to be taught in public schools. It saddens me to see so many children in my classroom with very low self esteem. If we could only teach them how much people of color have contributed to this nation, maybe they would be encouraged to strive for good grades, to participate in their education.
Madeline Higgins	Students of all ages and backgrounds deserve an honest education, and dedicated educators who are willing to imagine a better world with them.