SS Smithsonian Institution Lonnie G. Bunch 111 Secretary July 27, 2020 The Honorable Josh Hawley United States Senate 212 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Hawley, ‘Thank you for your letter of July 20, 2020, concerning the “Talking About Race” on-line portal presented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture. ‘As you noted, the intent of the portal is to provide resources to assist the public in engaging in conversations about race. We recognize that a specific chart presented de-contextualized information that did not contribute to productive, informed conversations. We erred in including the chart, and therefore we eliminated it from our portal. Additionally, we are conducting a comprehensive review of the site to ensure that it remains a helpful tool in fostering meaningful dialogues and shared understanding about race and its historical and contemporary impacts. You had asked several questions about content, governance and funding . Content: The original purpose of the chart’s content was to raise issues for discussion in a facilitated session, to spark questions and conversations about various perceptions of and experiences with race. The content you referenced was not meant as absolutist statements, but rather served as starting points for curated discussions. In the workshops, the general statements that were found in the chart were used to discuss perceptions about societal practices and mores, and how we can be aware of those perceptions and experiences. Participants shared experiences and perceptions about dominant cultural norms in order to understand how race impacts individuals differently. Absent that facilitated context, the chart detracted from productive conversations, and was removed. . Governance: Content decisions at the Smithsonian, including but not limited to decisions ‘on collections, exhibitions, public programs, and on-line materials, are the purview of each ‘Smithsonian organization and thi detailed content for the portal was reviewed by the museum’s education, external affairs, and public affairs departments, as well as by numerous individuals spanning the fields of established internal decision-making processes. The ‘Smithsonian Institution Building 1000 Jefferson Drive SW Washington DC 20560-0016 202.633.1846 Telephone 202.786.2515 FaxLonnie G. Bunch It Secretary detailed content for the portal was reviewed by the museum's education, external affairs, and public affairs departments, as well as by numerous individuals spanning the fields of education, museology, antibias/antiracist practice, and psychology. That group includes nationally recognized authors, historians, equity trainers, scholars and educators with extensive relevant expertise. We have reviewed the feedback we have received about the portal, and we have initiated a further review that not only includes the decision-makers at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, but also other Smithsonian officials from across the Institution. This review will also encompass third party reviews of the materials which were conducted prior the launch of the portal. Funding: The Museum received a $2 million grant from Atlantic Philosophies whi funded the portal and associated workshops and public and educational programming. Atlantic Philosophies had no decision-making role in either the specific platform or content of the portal. The Museum made no payments to Robin DiAngelo nor any of the other referenced scholars. There are no programs planned involving those individuals. ‘Answers to your specific questions are enclosed. The Smi ithsonian is committed to helping Americans everywhere have respectful and constructive conversations about race. As a learning organization we incorporate feedback and improve our offerings. We want to help the nation move toward greater equity and address racism, and the chart in question did not help us do so. ‘Thank you for writing to us and sharing your concerns. We would be happy to have our government relations team keep your staff apprised of our progress as we review the on-line portal’s Sincerel materials. ly, Bh eee Enclosu re Smithsonian Institution Building 1000 Jefferson Drive SW ‘Washington DC 20560-0016 202.633.1846 Telephone 202.786.2515 FaxLow werece Enclosure Responses to Specific Questions ‘Why did the Smithsonian suggest that self-reliance, the nuclear family, object and rational thinking, hard work, planning, quantitative emphasis, concern about intent, and politeness are distinctly “white” categories? ‘A: That content was not meant to suggest that certain qualities listed on the chart exclusively defined one particular race. Did the Smithsonian mean to suggest that Americans of color are deficient in such qualities, and that anti-racist efforts necessarily entail a rejection of these qualities? \: No, That content was not meant to suggest that other races are deficient in those qualities or that the qualities should be rejected. Does the Smithsonian believe the nuclear family to be a construct of white supremacy that should be deemphasized? lo. That content was not meant to suggest that the nuclear family should be deemphasized. Please elaborate on what the nuclear family’s presence in these materials was meant to suggest. A: The language on the chart was meant, in the context or workshops, to initiate learning experiences through discussions of how race, and our perceptions of it, impact our lives. Why did the Smithsonian suggest that white people believe “wealth is worth” and “bland is best,” that white people are uniquely capable of decision-making, and that white people are characterized by a drive to “master and control nature”? rhat content was meant to begin and prompt discussion to engage parti exploring various perceptions and experiences.How many senior leaders at the Smithsonian reviewed these materials before their publication, ‘and how did they pass through the Smithsonian's approval process? Please identify any such senior leaders. ‘A; The detailed content for the portal was reviewed by the museum’s education, external affairs, and public affairs departments, as well as by numerous individuals ‘spanning the fields of education, museology, antibias/antiracist practice, and Psychology. That group includes nationally recognized authors, historians, equity trainers, scholars and educators with extensive relevant experti Did you review these materials yourself prior to writing in Smithsonian Magazine that through this initiative “we are helping audiences better understand our differences and bridge the chasm of race,” and do you condone the assertions made within them? A: As Secretary, | take ul for the Smithsonian's programs and content. | am committed to helping our country have productive, respectful conversations about race. The chart did not help us pursue that goal outside of the context of the workshops, and | directed that it be removed. Does the Smithsonian agree with the proposition at the heart of the American way of life that “all men are created equal?” Yes. Does the Institution agree with the timeless principle espoused by Dr. King that people should “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character?” ArYes Please identify this material’s connection to The Atlantic Philosophies and any payments made to Robin DiAngelo or other scholars referenced in this exhibit in the form of consulting, speaking, or licensing fees, as well as any forthcoming programming involving such individuals. ‘A: The Museum received a $2 milion grant from Atlantic Philosophies which funded ‘the portal and associated workshops and public and educational programming. Atlantic Philosophies had no decision-making role in either the specific platform or content of the portal, The Museum made no payments to Robin DiAngelo nor any of the other referenced scholars. There are no programs planned involving those individuals.