The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is being urged to skip an academic retreat as watchdog organization North American Values Institute (NAVI) raises "serious concerns" about one of the event's workshop leaders.The University at Buffalo's Center for K-12 Black History and Racial Literacy Education, directed by Dr.LaGarrett King, is hosting the Social Studies Curriculum Coordinators Retreat next month, where Ismael Jimenez will co-facilitate a workshop.
Jimenez, who serves as the Director of Social Studies Curriculum for the School District of Philadelphia, has drawn criticism over his controversial curriculum initiatives, ties to activist groups and anti-Israel comments.Retreat materials posted on the University at Buffalo's website state that one of the event's featured sessions is a "Reconstruction & Freedmen’s Bureau workshop (with NMAAHC).""At a time of rising antisemitism, the Smithsonian should not lend its name, staff, or institutional credibility to a K–12 curriculum retreat that is co-facilitated by an educator with this record.By participating, the Smithsonian risks legitimizing the use of Black history education as a vehicle for political, antisemitic, and anti-Israel activism," NAVI's letter read.PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS COAST TO COAST ADOPTING RADICAL CURRICULUM FROM ORG NAMED FOR 60S RADICALThe North American Values Institute is urging the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture to back out of an education retreat over a controversial workshop leader.
(Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images)In response to Fox News Digital's request for comment, Jimenez said he viewed the retreat as an opportunity to engage with fellow educators."I have always believed that education requires a certain degree of humility.None of us arrives at a complete understanding of the world, and part of the work of being an educator is remaining open to learning, reflection, and growth," Ji...