Number of teachers pledging to teach Critical Race Theory in Wyoming stagnates at four

By South Kent News

Dec 11, 2021

There were no new teachers in Wyoming who signed the pledge on Dec. 9, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on Dec. 8, the day before. It now has four pledges from Wyoming 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 Wyoming teachers included, "Our students deserve to be exposed to a true and accurate representation of our past and present in order to form their own opinions and visions for their (our) future" and "I refuse to teach the narrative that has been created to make it seem like there is only one group that matters and made long lasting contributions to our nation. Working in a very diverse district I want my students to know that they matter and they are a part of our country's history too".

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 Wyoming who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Emily Márquez	Our students deserve to be exposed to a true and accurate representation of our past and present in order to form their own opinions and visions for their (our) future.
Joline Andrews	Students deserve to know the truth. They need to be taught to think critically and to question things. The world will continue to be racist, sexist, and homophobic if we aren't taught about history.
Kaylee Fredricks	I refuse to teach the narrative that has been created to make it seem like there is only one group that matters and made long lasting contributions to our nation. Working in a very diverse district I want my students to know that they matter and they are a part of our country's history too.
Rachael Dupon	We can't be BETTER without teaching the things that matter.