If you don’t know history, it’s as if you were born yesterday. If you were born yesterday then any leader can tell you anything.
Howard Zinn
Since 2021, over a dozen states have introduced (and some have been enacted into law) bills that restrict the teaching of history and important social issues in public classrooms. In addition to calls banning the teaching of CRT (Critical Race Theory), and subjects such as menstruation, LGBTQ rights, and racism, far-right activists have also attacked local school boards, and in some instances, installed their own members on school boards. For example, In 2021, three far-right candidates with ties to the Proud Boys claimed victory in elections for the Sarasota Florida school board.
New Mexico is no exception.
On April 24th, a “Saving New Mexico Education Panel” will take place in Albuquerque, hosted by several far-right organizations (Freedom Families United, Right to Bear Arms, Spoken Words New Mexico, and Plant Inc.) as well as a local mega-church. Panelists include Steve Pearce, RPNM chairman, House Rep. Stefani Lord (R-22), Public Education Commissioner Steve Carillo (the odd-man out here being a Democrat), and Jodi Henricks, executive director of NMFAM (New Mexico Family Action Movement).
The ad for this event won’t come up in a regular Google search (or on any other organizational website), but it has been publicized through social media (such as NextDoor), and the ad is alarming.
The ad depicts a spunky, short-haired blonde teacher standing in front of youngsters seated at desks, pointing to a chalkboard that has “Don’t Tell Your Parents!” written on it. Graphics surrounding the board include a Black Lives Matter logo, Protect Kids Not Guns, My Body My Choice, Climate Change is Real, a rainbow unicorn, and a graphic depicting LGBTQ+ symbols.
Wow.
The ad says it all. This proposed “meeting” is sure to be an outright attack on education and the teaching of the truth: Yes, the truth.
Far-right groups consistently claim that subjects that address racism are “divisive” and are meant to make white people feel bad. They claim that acknowledging members of the LGBTQ+ community and drag queens is encouraging pedophilia and child “grooming.” These groups also ignore the science behind climate change and universally oppose stricter gun legislation, citing second amendment rights.
Groups such as Freedom Families United and NMFAM cite personal liberty, the freedom of religion, and the right for parents to have a say in their child’s education, but those are arguments disguised to veil the real reason for their amplified “moral” outrage. The reason is that far-right organizations do not want an educated populous, they don’t want children to learn the truth about slavery, the holocaust, unions, structural racism, and the oppression of minorities, LGBTQ+, and native groups. This would upset the status quo in which a small minority holds the balance of power.
The key to an effective democracy and creating a better world for all is a well-educated citizenry. We will never overcome racism, inequality, or bigotry without knowing our history, otherwise “Any leader can tell you anything.”
Note: Steve Carillo did not attend the panel.