The deconstruction of democratic institutions and social progress continues at a manic pace. From the courts to cultural spaces, we are on a trajectory where there will soon be nothing sacred or unaffected by ideological tyrants if left unchecked. The crusade for power and control to shape the world to their ideological advantage is the work of authoritarians. In their vain and aggressive attempts to unite a nation caught in a period of societal polarization, they create more division and disunity by making enemies out of friends and neighbors. Their battle is not over policy and promoting the common good, it’s a war against ideas.

Last week, the government took another step to undermine cultural and educational institutions intended to preserve and foster the progression of ideas in our free society. According to a March 27 executive order, The White House took aim at the Smithsonian Institution which oversees dozens of museums, libraries, research, and education centers, including the National Zoo. “Established by an act of Congress in 1846 as an independent federal trust … as a cultural and scientific resource [for the American people],” the Smithsonian is now under the direction of the Vice President, effectually ending its long-held independence.[1] 

Claiming to restore “truth and sanity to American history” from “corrosive ideology,”[2] the executive order falsely attributes wisdom to historical revisionism. Wisdom is the result of knowledge and objective reflection. The power of wisdom is experienced through edification—when new information is presented and safely challenges biased or forgotten realities that can shape our future decisions. In the case of the Smithsonian and its rich history of independent thought and research, it has been able to challenge America’s racist, sexist, and immoral past while simultaneously celebrating “American greatness.” These two realities are not contradictory or partisan.

Americans and global visitors know how to walk and chew gum at the same time. It’s possible to be loyal and analytical of our nation and its history. This is the contribution of education and historical institutions committed to fact-finding, preserving history, and telling the forgotten stories of our past with an eye for tomorrow. These institutions are where ideas are born, debated, tested, and practiced. The hallmark of a free society is its willingness to learn, change, and adapt to new information and changing life conditions.

When ideas become dangerous to the status quo or threaten the privilege of the ruling class, a vengeful reactionary movement often takes shape. Their solution is to demonize and silence intellectualism, science, and diverse ideas. Instead of pursuing wisdom, they seek to uphold a romanticized vision of the past. Today’s globally connected and diverse world will not stand for such arrogance. Attempts to purge wisdom from our democratized institutions are destined to fail, even if freedoms and democracy are ultimately abolished. 

As our pledge solemnly declares, we are “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Either the nation can do no wrong, or God calls upon our generation for an urgent task. These are alarming times for those who cherish their independence to uncover historical truths, read diverse books, pursue scientific discovery, and embrace curiosity. We must hold each other and our leaders accountable to collectively preserve our long-held tradition of seeking and applying wisdom in our public life, wherever it may lead us.

[1] https://www.si.edu/about/administration, accessed April 1, 2025.

[2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/restoring-truth-and-sanity-to-american-history/, accessed April 1, 2025.