Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Ketchikan stagnates at two

By SE Alaska News

Oct 24, 2021

There were no new teachers in Ketchikan who signed the pledge on Oct. 22, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Oct. 21, the day before. It now has two pledges from Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan teachers included, "The true history of this country must be acknowledged and taught. If a law has to be passed to hide the atrocities visited in people here and around the world in the name of the US, that’s your indication that light must be directed to those dark acts, we teach about them, and attempt to help students understand them. Only then can we help them move forward with truth" and "only in teaching the true and accurate history of this country can we empower students to impact their communities, with knowledge and 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 Ketchikan who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Valerie Brooks	only in teaching the true and accurate history of this country can we empower students to impact their communities, with knowledge and truth.
Valerie Brooks	The true history of this country must be acknowledged and taught. If a law has to be passed to hide the atrocities visited in people here and around the world in the name of the US, that’s your indication that light must be directed to those dark acts, we teach about them, and attempt to help students understand them. Only then can we help them move forward with truth.