As we prepare to commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., we should go beyond the platitudes that too often characterize the celebrations that take place across the country. People often forget or minimize the fact that King was hated by prominent members of the federal government because of his outspokenness about racial inequities. He became a radical and revolutionary leader who effectively critiqued and challenged the government’s complicity in perpetuating racism and other forms of oppression.
As a professor for almost 28 years, I have spent my career researching, teaching, and speaking on issues of race and racial inequities. However, I have become increasingly disappointed that some faculty are afraid to speak out against injustice and a corrupt government because of fear of political retaliation and concerns about job security. In the current political climate of authoritarianism, it is more important than ever for faculty to be brave and speak out against injustice and governmental assaults on academic freedom and freedom of speech.
Read the complete article in the The EDU Ledger
