9 more West Chester teachers sign Critical Race Theory pledge in week ending Jan. 15

By Central Chester Today

Jan 24, 2022

Critical Race Theory will be taught by nine more teachers in West Chester, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

No new teachers sign the pledge the week before. It now has 10 pledges from West Chester teachers by the end of the week ending Jan. 15.

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 new West Chester teachers included “In order to address the issues of white supremacy in the United States, teachers must address white supremacy in school curriculum.” and “The manipulation of what CRT is has created a hysterical reaction that undermines the reality that CRT is higher-concept learning at the university level; not taught at primary or secondary levels. As a result, parents and administrators have become equally hysterical and candid in their desire to whitewash history and make it ‘pretty’ rather than truthful.”.

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 West Chester who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Corinne Greskiewicz	As a country, we should not be scared to analyze our past and learn from our mistakes. Knowledge is power, and critical thinking will lead to a better country.
Shelagh Wilson	Children need to learn the full truth about the history of this country. It is what they deserve.
Seth Kahn	I don't want there to be any secret about the fact that I'm committed to racial justice (and all forms of anti-bigotry) in my teaching.
Erin Haley	The manipulation of what CRT is has created a hysterical reaction that undermines the reality that CRT is higher-concept learning at the university level; not taught at primary or secondary levels. As a result, parents and administrators have become equally hysterical and candid in their desire to whitewash history and make it ‘pretty’ rather than truthful.
Rebecca McAllister	An educated student is one who can think critically about current events. One who will not be fooled into thinking these events are new. And one who will know that they can make change and have a positive impact. Educated students will educate others, recognizing bigotry in systems and individuals. I stand with Zinn Education Project in this mission.
Kelly Dillon	Truth and transparency are essential to understanding and growth.
Leslie Barr	When we do not learn our history, we are doomed to repeat it.
John Flagler	In order to address the issues of white supremacy in the United States, teachers must address white supremacy in school curriculum.
Dr. Pauline Schmidt	Truth is important and our kids need to know it, learn it, and grow from it.
Mary Buckelew	“no comment”