Attacks on Teachers and Curriculum Reflect a Broader Push to Erase Uncomfortable Truths
According to James Baldwin (1985), “The reality, the depth, and the persistence of the delusion of white supremacy in this country causes any real concept of education to be as remote, and as much to be feared, is change or freedom itself.” The delusion of white supremacy includes ending DEI, trying to control the content of curriculum, and generally whitewashing the reality of American history. One cannot talk about American history without talking about slavery, racism, dictatorships, lynching, burning at the stake, police abuse, job discrimination, redlining, sexual abuse, the presidents that owned slaves, the whites that opposed slavery, the genocide of Native people, the stealing of Mexico’s land, the hatred of Asians, medical apartheid, Blacks who fought for the British, segregation, and hundreds of other hatreds, exploitations, and oppressions.
The False Textbook
White supremacists and Nazi-minded activists want to return to the false history that was taught for hundreds of years in schools and colleges. They want the racial fiction of a time that never existed but was fixated in the brains of millions. The costs of not telling the ugly truths of American history results in a multitude of ignorance that can be used to brainwash many. The delusion of white supremacy created a system used to oppress people and create divisions. In order to end white supremacy and fascism, there must be a real discussion of the wages of racism and the effects it has had on the public in general. Teaching the truth about the central role of slavery in the Civil War has nothing to do with making anyone feel bad. It is a truth that cannot be washed away. White supremacy and opposing the right to free speech go together.
The Manufactured Myths
There are thousands of fake history stories that are not accurate about the Alamo, about the Civil War, about the White House, and many other falsehoods that deny the central problem of the “color line” in America. Because of the Civil Rights Movement, there was a great upheaval in the education system as teachers, activists, fought hard to get the truth of a false white supremacist version exposed and defeated. Now, those racialized elements in our society want to prevent teachers from telling the truth. In attempts to disrupt democracy and academic freedom (Free Speech), modern-day Nazis invent heroes that are racist clones from the past, and anyone exposing their true nature are attacked with attempts to get them fired from schools and colleges. Teachers in Texas are being persecuted because they have exercised their right to criticize white supremacy and dictatorial policies. However, many are fighting back in district courts to overturn wrongful terminations and file with slander suits in civil court.
Reinstated, Not Silenced
Dr. Thomas Alter has been reinstated as a professor at Texas State University after being fired for comments he was accused of making. A district judge granted a restraining order allowing him to return to his position. Alter he was fired for a false claim that he was “inciting violence.” This is an example of a violation of First Amendment rights and it is being prompted by a Nazi-type youth group that goes around the country harassing teachers. Teachers will not be silenced, and those harassed or fired must sue those making false accusations for libel and slander. We cannot let these racist anti-education scoundrels get away without a fight. Teachers will not go down without a fight against the dictatorship now in power. Those attacking are on notice; you will pay the financial price out of your pockets for these attacks.
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