A Harvard University course focused on black women in politics has ignited considerable discussion for its notable exclusion of prominent conservative figures. The syllabus for "History 167: Race, Gender, and the Law Through the Archive" highlights black women who have shaped 20th-century politics, grassroots organizing, and the legal profession, yet conspicuously omits key conservative personalities.
Students enrolled in this course are set to explore influential figures such as former First Lady Michelle Obama, activist Stacey Abrams, and Vice President Kamala Harris. The curriculum delves into topics including reproductive rights, Black Feminism, and intersectionality. However, critics argue that this approach presents an incomplete picture by neglecting the significant historical contributions of black conservative women.
Liberal Figures Highlighted, Conservatives Overlooked
The syllabus specifically praises black women aligned with Democratic politics, emphasizing their roles in shaping grassroots organizing and political landscapes. The course includes foundational works from critical race theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw, Rutgers Professor Brittney Cooper, and former Black Panther Angela Davis. It also aims to define intersectionality and explain how Jim Crow laws profoundly affected black women’s lives.
Yet, the course makes no mention of conservative black women such as Zora Neale Hurston, a celebrated writer and Republican; Roberta Church, who served in both the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations; or Dr. Mildred Jefferson, the first black woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School, widely recognized for her powerful anti-abortion advocacy.
Conservative Voices Deemed Missing by Critics
Brenda Thiam, an ambassador for Project 21, conveyed her concerns to The College Fix, stating that the course’s focus solely on black women Democrats overlooks a vital part of political history. Thiam, a former Republican legislator in Maryland, articulated that the syllabus "only leans towards far-left agenda ideologies," adding that "Black Democrat women are not the only Black women who have paved the way in the political arena."
She emphasized the necessity of including conservatives like former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former Utah Congresswoman Mia Love. "These women were pioneers in the field of politics and paved the way for other women," Thiam stated, as quoted by The College Fix.
Course Content and Instructor Responses
The course instructor, Professor Myisha Eatmon, did not respond to multiple inquiries from The College Fix regarding the syllabus content. Previously, Eatmon has been cited by the Washington Free Beacon for describing "racism as a virus and white privilege as a drug." Following the article’s publication, The College Fix reported that Professor Eatmon was on medical leave, as confirmed via an automated email response.
What the Syllabus Covers and Omits
Students in History 167 will delve into the roles black women played in politics during the Jim Crow era and beyond, with a strong emphasis on liberal figures and progressive issues, including reproductive rights and non-binary identities. However, the notable absence of conservative voices suggests that the course may not provide a comprehensive view of black women’s diverse political impact.
While acknowledging the course’s value in educating students about black women’s political contributions, Thiam argued that Harvard "must modify the course content to include conservative/Republican women’s views" to present a more balanced and complete political history, a sentiment echoed by The College Fix.
Key Figures: Included vs. Excluded
| Included Figures | Political Affiliation | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Obama | Democrat | First Lady, political and grassroots influence |
| Stacey Abrams | Democrat | Georgia gubernatorial candidate, activist |
| Kamala Harris | Democrat | Vice President, legal career |
| Kimberle Crenshaw | Academic/Activist | Critical race theory, intersectionality |
| Brittney Cooper | Academic | Race and gender scholarship |
| Angela Davis | Activist | Former Black Panther, civil rights advocacy |
| Excluded Figures | Political Affiliation | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Zora Neale Hurston | Republican | Accomplished writer, prominent black conservative voice |
| Roberta Church | Republican | Served in Eisenhower and Nixon administrations |
| Dr Mildred Jefferson | Republican | First black woman Harvard Medical School graduate, leading anti-abortion advocate |
| Condoleezza Rice | Republican | Former U.S. Secretary of State, influential political leader |
| Mia Love | Republican | First black female Republican Congresswoman from Utah |
The ongoing debate underscores the necessity for academic programs to embrace a wide array of perspectives, ensuring that the exploration of political history is both thorough and equitable. Without acknowledging the full spectrum of ideologies within the black women’s political community, "History 167" risks providing an incomplete educational experience.