Yo, Miss! (No. 71) They Want to Erase Us from U.S. History

The Trump administration’s recent moves to limit how we teach U.S. history is an assault on our democracy. With their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) measures, they are trying to whitewash the past, eliminating crucial discussions about race, identity, and the historical injustices that have shaped this country. It’s an attempt to control what students can learn about the struggles of marginalized communities, and it is part of a dangerous trend to undermine critical thinking in education. Timothy Snyder, historian and expert on totalitarianism, has warned us about "memory laws"—the idea that when we manipulate history, we not only erase painful truths but also rewrite the very fabric of democracy. These laws aren't just about what we teach; they’re about shaping what future generations will know—and, perhaps more importantly, what they won’t.This isn’t just about history; it’s about power. When we suppress the full story of America—particularly the struggles for justice, equality, and civil rights—we deny students the tools they need to understand and engage with their world. By whitewashing our past, the administration is undermining the very foundation of democracy. Snyder argues that when we forget, we lose the ability to act in the present. If we let this continue, we risk becoming a society that is controlled by those who want to keep us in the dark. As educators, it’s our job to stand against this erasure. We have to keep teaching the full, complex history of our country so that students can grapple with the truth and, hopefully, build a more just future.Yo, Miss! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe