Shocking Claims by University President: Racism and Indoctrination in Education
In a recent symposium hosted by the American Psychological Association (APA), Dr. Thomas Parham, the president of California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), made controversial statements that have sent ripples through the academic community and beyond. Dr. Parham asserted that the lingering effects of racism and white supremacy are deeply embedded in American society, suggesting that nearly everyone carries these so-called ‘residuals.’ His comments have ignited a fiery debate over the conclusions drawn about race and education in America.
Dr. Parham’s remarks came to light after Dr. Rick Addante, a neuroscientist and former psychology professor, shared clips from the event on social media. He pointed out the alarming nature of Dr. Parham’s assertions, particularly his view that it is the responsibility of educators to disrupt the beliefs of white individuals. “This is a big deal, and it’s appalling,” Dr. Addante remarked, criticizing the university president’s approach as a form of indoctrination rather than education.
The Controversial Statements
During the symposium, Dr. Parham stated, “Everybody is carrying residuals, but knowing how we are conceptually incarcerated, I think, is important to remember.” He elaborated on the concept of ‘white fragility,’ a term describing the discomfort that white individuals may experience when confronted with discussions about racism. Dr. Parham insisted that it is crucial to make people uncomfortable to foster change, declaring, “If you can’t make people uncomfortable with where they are, there’s no motivation to change.”
Dr. Addante, however, vehemently opposes this viewpoint, labeling the concepts of ‘residual white supremacy’ and ‘white fragility’ as “pseudoscience garbage.” He argues that these terms lack scientific support and are being weaponized to fuel divisive ideologies within educational systems.
Implications for Education and Military Training
Compounding these concerns is the fact that CSUDH receives significant federal funding, including $798,680 from the Office of the Secretary of War to support its Army and Air Force ROTC programs. Dr. Addante warns that the ideological framework espoused by Dr. Parham could potentially indoctrinate future military leaders, instilling beliefs that are politically charged and divisive.
In a scathing critique, Dr. Addante questioned the wisdom of using taxpayer dollars to promote what he sees as leftist ideology within institutions that train military personnel. “Is teaching them to hate the administration they may have to work for not indoctrination?” he challenged, emphasizing the need for accountability in how universities approach education on race and identity.
A Call to Action
The sentiments expressed by Dr. Parham and the subsequent backlash highlight a growing divide in American society regarding discussions of race, identity, and the role of education. Dr. Addante’s call for universities to be held accountable resonates with many who fear that the indoctrination of students could have dire consequences for future leadership in America.
As the nation grapples with these complex issues, it becomes increasingly clear that the dialogue surrounding race and education is far from settled. With advocates like Dr. Addante sounding the alarm, it remains to be seen how universities will navigate the choppy waters of race relations and educational integrity in the years to come.
