Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Oakland stagnates at seven

By Oakland City Wire

Jan 12, 2022

There were no new teachers in Oakland 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 seven pledges from Oakland 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 Oakland teachers included, "I believe only w the truth can the young people make sound decisions about the future" and "Students deserve honesty from adults".

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 Oakland who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Ashley Busby	No comment
Heather Reed	No comment
Jason Muniz	No comment
Laurel Levitan	Even five year olds know the world isn’t fair or if someone is treated differently because of their skin color. And if I’m not honest with them or ignore them, then their understandings about the world will be based on the unsupported assumptions of a five-year old and THAT is how fear and hate form.I refuse to do my students the disservice of leaving their questions unanswered or at least unresponded (“I don’t know” is often my answer to science questions). I refuse to send the message that asking questions is not OKAY. I refuse to convey that is OKAY for people to be treated inequitably or for those in power to misuse it by exploiting those they claim to represent.In my classroom, every person matters simply because they are person. I am refuse to lie or avoid explaining why my students don’t see this applied outside the classroom as well.
Romany Corella	I believe only w the truth can the young people make sound decisions about the future.
Shikira Porter	Truth allows us to be and do better.
Tania Kappner	Students deserve honesty from adults.