The Senate passed a second version of the higher education budget last week, but not before they cut $409K from Boise State’s Budget to punish them for providing social justice programming and curricula.
“They’re going to get the message,” said the bill sponsor. “We’re watching you,” was echoed by several Republican legislators. All the while, my stomach turned as I listened, and I thought how hard the leaders of traditional institutions (white institutions) would fight to preserve their way of life, their specific set of values when they feel threatened.
The bill sponsor and several others complained about the “social justice issue” the state faced. And if schools were going to continue these programs, they “would pay.”
According to the United Nations, “Social justice may be broadly understood as the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.” The National Association of Social Workers believes, “Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities.”
So why would that draw controversy and scrutiny from the majority? Why punish Boise State?
Because social justice not only acknowledges the history of racism and sexism in our country, but also the long lasting impacts of unfair and oppressive treatment of Black, indigenous, people of color, and white women. And if they were treated unfairly and denied access to opportunity, the next question is….by whom? And who may have benefitted?
That’s the uncomfortable and unsettling part of the equation to social justice for people in the majority, who can acknowledge racism in the past, but struggle to acknowledge the lingering impacts of that oppression and how they may benefit now. People who have been in the power of the majority resist hearing that they may have earned something or are benefiting from something without working for it.
That goes against that myth that hard work alone leads to achievement. Hard work helps, but if your race never worked against you, that counts for a lot. Being white or male does not guarantee success, but it sure doesn’t work against you like a Black woman who may experience racism and sexism.
The legislature criticizes social justice curricula because white people report feeling uncomfortable as they unpack their invisible knapsack of privileges as defined by Peggy McIntosh in the 1990’s. Since people in the majority have not been taught to reflect on their roles or responsibilities in all this, it is uncomfortable and a little scary. On Friday, a GOP legislator introduced a bill in House Education to prohibit public schools from teaching or questioning theories about racism and sexism that challenge traditional or dominant culture.
The message is clear, if you don’t fit in the majority, you will be silenced, de-funded, and erased…dare I say canceled due to fear that traditional culture will be pushed aside.
However, as much as they punish and threaten, they cannot stop the fight for freedom and equality. As much as censorship is used, people will find a way to learn. The movement to achieve social justice cannot be silenced by the likes of this legislature.
You may be “watching” and ready to punish, but the tide is turning. The grip you have on our state will eventually slip through your fingers. I have talked to young people. They are determined to end racism and sexism and homophobia and all other forms of oppression. They want health care for all, an affordable place to live, a clean environment, and opportunities to raise kids of their own. We cling to our fears and they fear nothing. I place my hope in them and I, too, will continue to fight for a fair future where everyone can thrive.