Union will defend teachers in 'critical race theory' fights
Source: AP
By COLLIN BINKLEY
One of the nation’s largest teachers unions on Tuesday vowed to defend members who are punished for teaching an “honest history” of the United States, a measure that’s intended to counter the wave of states seeking to limit classroom discussion on race and discrimination.
In prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press, American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten said her union is preparing litigation and has a legal defense fund “ready to go.” She promised to fight “culture warriors” who attempt to limit lessons on racism and discrimination by labeling it as critical race theory.
At least six states have passed new laws limiting how race can be taught in the classroom, and similar proposals are being considered in at least a dozen others. Many of the bills are intended to bar the teaching of critical race theory — an academic framework that examines history through the lens of racism. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.
Last month, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law forbidding schools from teaching that people “should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish or any other form of psychological distress” because of their race or sex. It adds that slavery and racism can only be taught as a deviation from the nation’s “authentic founding principles” of liberty and equality.
FILE - In this May 15, 2021, file photo American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten looks on during a rally for Scranton school board candidates at the Scranton Federation of Teachers union offices in Scranton, Pa. One of the nation's largest teachers unions on Tuesday promised to defend members who are punished for teaching an “honest history” of the United States. The American Federation of Teachers said it is adding $2.5 million to its legal defense fund in anticipation of local battles over the teaching of race. In prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Weingarten said her union is preparing litigation and has a legal defense fund “ready to go.” (Christopher Dolan/The Times-Tribune via AP, File)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-racial-injustice-race-and-ethnicity-government-and-politics-ce1ca40ecbe5abf10afcc10864d1b3e9
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