As a history professor at a university frequently targeted by the Trump Administration, and as a patriotic American, I feel compelled to address recent claims about the state of American history education.
These two perspectives might seem at odds if one is unfamiliar with the evolution of American historical scholarship over the past half-century. President Trump has suggested that historians have replaced “objective facts” with a “distorted narrative driven by ideology.”
However, this assertion is inaccurate. While changes have occurred, they stem from new evidence, not ideological bias. Historical interpretations evolve, much like medical understanding advances through scientific research. The past is not static. In the mid-20th century, historians naturally highlighted America’s role in defeating totalitarianism. Since the 1960s, movements like the Black freedom struggle and feminism have prompted historians to explore different aspects of our past. By combining established and innovative research methods, including previously undiscovered sources and statistical analysis, historians have revealed substantial evidence about both the expansion and denial of freedom for various groups of Americans. The experiences of enslaved Africans, women, indigenous peoples, soldiers, small business owners, and countless others have been brought to light through extensive research.
Historians share these truths with the public to ensure a comprehensive understanding of our history. This knowledge, which is patriotic, forms a crucial foundation for discussions about current issues. While we should acknowledge American virtue and valor, presenting American history as solely a heroic narrative would be a disservice to the nation.
Defining historical facts is complex. Sergeant Joe Friday’s demand for “just the facts” represents one view of history – a simple chronicle of events. However, history is more intricate. Historians construct interpretations based on available evidence and established reasoning. Each generation of scholars is influenced by its own time, and recent upheavals have reshaped historical inquiries. Critically examining present and past biases is central to the historian’s role. Historians have been working to provide fact-based knowledge, which the president’s order incorrectly dismisses as biased.
Maintaining the integrity of historical scholarship is vital in a democracy. Scholarly articles and books undergo rigorous, anonymous peer review to ensure the highest standards of evidence and reasoning. Debates within the historical profession are passionate, but evidence remains paramount. If there is a need to re-evaluate the balance between critique and acknowledgement of progress, it should be undertaken by dedicated scholars and teachers, not by political figures seeking to impose their views.
The executive order argues that “revisionist” historians portray American history as “inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed.” The historical profession challenges one-sided judgments, whether positive or negative. Errors and misjudgments should be corrected by scholars and teachers adhering to professional standards, not by government officials promoting a particular narrative. Historical facts require interpretation, and historians must balance their convictions and aspirations with the available evidence. While historians are entitled to their opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts.
The notion that objective facts are nonexistent has gained traction recently. Our current president has been documented telling over 30,000 lies during his first term, and this trend continues. Historians must resist this approach to our nation’s past. Political interference in publications, classrooms, and museums must be rejected. We must protect the integrity and independence of historical scholarship. Presenting only a selective, idealized version of American history is unacceptable to those who value our nation and its history. To do otherwise risks descending into a dystopian world where truth is dictated by those in power, reminiscent of Stalin’s Soviet Union or Orwell’s *1984*.
Historians have a responsibility to create accounts of our nation’s past firmly grounded in evidence. Without reliable history, Americans cannot know that our Constitution, framed by a generation that fought a bloody war against monarchy 250 years ago, erected sturdy barriers protecting us against executive overreach. Without reliable history, Americans cannot know that the judiciary has a duty to protect those barriers at a time when the majority in Congress has abdicated its responsibility to rein in this president’s unconstitutional and illegal actions. The stories we tell ourselves as a nation must be consistent with objective facts, but they should also be consistent with our democratic ideals, our commitments not only to liberty and individual rights but also to equality and justice for all.
“`
