In a tense congressional hearing that quickly made headlines, Education Secretary Linda McMahon faced sharp criticism after repeatedly dodging questions on whether teaching African American history and the 2020 presidential election could violate the Trump administration’s anti-DEI policies.
Testifying before the House Education and Workforce Committee, McMahon was grilled by Democratic Representative Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, who asked pointed questions about landmark events in American history—such as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and the life of civil rights icon Ruby Bridges.
Rather than provide clear answers, McMahon continuously offered to “look into it,” prompting disbelief from lawmakers and observers alike.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The hearing centered around the Trump administration’s crackdown on what it labels “illegal DEI practices”—referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that it claims discriminate or promote “gender ideology.” Schools found in violation could risk losing federal funding under new executive orders and curriculum standards.
Representative Lee asked McMahon whether teaching accurate lessons about:
- The Tulsa Race Massacre—a deadly white mob attack on a prosperous Black community in Oklahoma in 1921, and
- Ruby Bridges—the first Black child to integrate an all-white Southern elementary school in 1960,
…would be seen as illegal DEI. McMahon responded vaguely: “I’d have to look into it more,” and admitted she had not read Through My Eyes, Bridges’ personal memoir, nor could she fully describe the Tulsa tragedy.
“Teach All Sides”? Or Avoid Accountability?
McMahon maintained that “social studies should be taught accurately” and that students should “hear all sides.” But critics argue that such responses are deliberately evasive—especially when the questions are rooted in well-documented, factual U.S. history.
The hearing also touched on new education standards in Oklahoma that incorporate conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, including asking students to “identify discrepancies” and learn about the “security risks of mail-in voting.”
When asked whether it was illegal to teach that Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 election, McMahon again deflected: “We should hear all sides.”
Lawmakers Respond: “Lack of Knowledge Isn’t an Excuse”
Rep. Summer Lee did not hold back: “That was a specific example,” she said, referencing the Tulsa massacre and Bridges’ book. “Their lack of knowledge, denial of history, and open racism doesn’t mean students across America should be deprived of learning opportunities.”
Advocates fear that cutting educational programs and discouraging historical accuracy could disproportionately affect low-income, rural, and minority students. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has proposed a 15% budget cut for the Education Department in 2026—further stoking fears over the future of American public education.
Why It Matters
At the heart of this debate lies a bigger question: Should political ideology influence how schools teach history? For many, accurate historical education is essential—not a political choice. As civil rights topics come under scrutiny, educators and lawmakers alike are grappling with the implications for students and democracy itself.