Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in South Bend stagnates at six

By South Bend Times

Mar 15, 2022

There were no new teachers in South Bend who signed the pledge on March 13, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 12, the day before. It now has six pledges from South Bend 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 South Bend teachers included, "I believe in an educated, well-informed citizenry" and "teachers should never be forced to lie to students".

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 South Bend who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Elizabeth Drake	No comment
Erin Lemrow	I believe in an educated, well-informed citizenry.
Iris Outlaw	As a higher education retiree and a proponent of DEI in all components of one's development and critical thinking, I believe that we and the next generation must we fully educated on the entire history of our country. It is imperative that we have a full understanding of perspective of all acts during the development of our country. It is not about condeming, but realizing the horrendous acts and contributions of all people comprising in making the US what it is today.
Marilyn Arney	I am appalled that legislators are demanding that we lie to our students to protect the lying legislators.
Peggy Appleby	Truth to childrenTruth to powerRight the wrong
Sharon Holston	teachers should never be forced to lie to students.