No new teachers in Azusa sign pledge on Feb. 26 to teach Critical Race Theory

By Kern County Times

Feb 28, 2022

There were no new teachers in Azusa who signed the pledge on Feb. 26, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Feb. 25, the day before. It now has two pledges from Azusa 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 Azusa teachers included, "The truth should be taught. Our history is U.S. history" and "Our history is U.S. history and I believe in teaching the 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 Azusa who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory