Controlling the Narrative: A Response to VCU and Governor Youngkin
I found Governor Youngkin's request to review the curriculum for a racial literacy course—surprisingly, it appears to be limited to just one course—quite problematic. To those directly involved, I recommend taking control of the narrative by expanding the review process. This expansion should include not only the Governor but also students, alumni, faculty, media, the board of trustees, and anyone else who shows interest. It's essential to openly share not only the course objectives but also the materials recommended within the course. Doing so enables all interested parties to "see for themselves."
By sharing the materials, context, and intent of the work, any evaluation and objections would need to be based on specific and direct issues with the materials themselves, rather than the broader concept of racial literacy. Engaging in debates over details rather than overarching "racial" concepts is more productive. As a former Dean, the idea of Governor Youngkin (or his staff) "reviewing" syllabi for pedagogical coherence, let alone assessing the strength and creativity of primary and secondary source materials in a field they are unfamiliar with, is frankly absurd. Moreover, those concerned about ideological indoctrination should perhaps pay closer attention to the content of some other departments within the academy—I am looking at you, Econ 🙂 (I teach in the discipline).
The essence of this approach is to focus on concrete facts rather than theoretical debates. When the Governor's office issues its findings surrounding the course, the context and facts regarding the course will speak for themselves. The Governor would be forced to explicitly articulate any concerns about race, racial literacy, and racial education in the context of the materials, not the fantasy of massive indoctrination.
In addition, the response from VCU leadership, while disappointing, is not at all surprising. I understand the pressure college presidents might feel to conform to political expectations for job security. It's essential to remember that the core mission of higher education extends beyond pandering to high-dollar donors. It should prioritize fostering intellectual exploration, especially for first-year students, while rejecting the Governor's political theater.
In response to Governor Youngkin's request, it is critical that stakeholders—especially faculty and students—seize control of the narrative. Aggressively advocating for an expansive and transparent review process that openly shares objectives, intentions, and materials is essential for countering political interference and ensuring that the conversation around racial literacy and race remains grounded in factual content and the real educational value it offers.
