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

By Passaic Today

Jan 12, 2022

There were no new teachers in Paterson 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 two pledges from Paterson 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 Paterson teachers included, "I know the power of teaching the truth. The truth is not subject to opinion, acceptance or approval. If I present the facts from all perspectives, the truth cannot be denied. I am a Founding Member of a group called the Passaic County Equity Seekers and we promote teaching the truth in an effort to attain racial equity and social justice" and "I am signing because I feel this is a hot button topic that must be addressed. I’m honored to put my name here in support of this movement".

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 Paterson who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Corey Teague	I am signing because I feel this is a hot button topic that must be addressed. I’m honored to put my name here in support of this movement.
Lizandaa Alburg	I know the power of teaching the truth. The truth is not subject to opinion, acceptance or approval. If I present the facts from all perspectives, the truth cannot be denied. I am a Founding Member of a group called the Passaic County Equity Seekers and we promote teaching the truth in an effort to attain racial equity and social justice.