Yes, I was required to teach 'critical race theory'

I am a retired teacher, with 20 years at the elementary level and another 20 years at the secondary level. One of my favorite subjects to teach was history. When I began teaching in 1972 the phrase” critical race theory” did not exist. But history was an established subject, and for me it was fascinating and exciting and full of lessons to be learned.

In my opinion the most important lesson to learn about history is: There’s always more than one side to the story.

I remember the first time the history lesson introduced the term “conquistador”in reference to the Spaniards who “conquered” the New World according to the history book. I remember my students asking questions, doing research and giving reports about these conquistadors who murdered and enslaved millions of the native peoples. It was quite a different story than the textbook.

I also remember a textbook lesson that referenced “The Battle of Wounded Knee.“ Discussions and questions led to student research that revealed the “battle“ was actually a massacre of unarmed Native American women and children.

Likewise, presenting history lessons on the Chinese Exclusion Act, the Japanese internment camps during World War II, the 200 years of legal slavery in the United States, have led to students doing compelling and comprehensive research into the facts surrounding these subjects.

In a similar vein, we had discussions and research on the founding of our most amazing republic and the inspirational documents and leaders that created our extraordinary country. Words matter. Deeds matter. Our country is an evolving experiment with the overarching goal of “life, liberty and opportunity for all.”

Critical race theory is a phrase that means an honest look at history. Our country is strong and a significant part of that strength is our diversity.

Our country has a history of overcoming hate and discrimination. We can learn from the mistakes of our past and continue on the path to a more perfect union.

Yes, I was required by my moral conscience to teach “critical race theory“ — which is another term for the significant and comprehensive lessons of US History.

STEVE JOHNSON

Sagle