No new teachers in Omaha sign pledge on March 8 to teach Critical Race Theory

By Omaha City Wire

Mar 10, 2022

There were no new teachers in Omaha who signed the pledge on March 8, according to an online pledge from the Zinn Education Project.

The pledge was signed by no teachers on March 7, the day before. It now has four pledges from Omaha 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 Omaha teachers included, "I believe that education demands the free, open, and responsible inquiry into any and all subjects. The attempt to muzzle inquiry into the history of any minority is reprehensible. Uncovering the truth, no matter how difficult it may be, is the only basis for reconciling a people to move together toward a common future" and "We owe our students a clear and unbiased opportunity to learn".

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 Omaha who’ve pledged to teach Critical Race Theory

Teachers	Thoughts on Critical Race Theory
Amy Schmidtke	No comment
Frank Edler	I believe that education demands the free, open, and responsible inquiry into any and all subjects. The attempt to muzzle inquiry into the history of any minority is reprehensible. Uncovering the truth, no matter how difficult it may be, is the only basis for reconciling a people to move together toward a common future.
Lora Irvine	We owe our students a clear and unbiased opportunity to learn.
Michael Bristol	My students deserve an engaging, vivid, and intellectually honest discussion of history. To give them anything else is disempowering and patronizing.