We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

by Bettina L. Love

In June 2016, Kim Stidham, a charter school principal in Duval County, Florida, posted on Facebook a song with the lyrics, “Take all of the rope in Texas, find a tall oak tree, round up all them bad boys, hang them high in the street for all the people to see.”45 Stidham released a statement after she came under fire for her post: I am absolutely devastated that my personal political views were perceived to be racist in any way. I am a firm believer in equality, justice and respect for all individuals and I recognize now that some of my posts could have been misunderstood. I appreciate the fact that those who were offended brought this to my attention so that I could rectify the situation. I encourage anyone who has any concerns about this to come to me directly so that we can discuss it further.46 Her statement is a perfect example of how racist educators believe their actions outside the class in no way impact their classroom or school. She is “devastated” that her personal views could be seen as racist, but history confirms her racism. Black women, men, and children were rounded up and killed by White mobs; there is no other way to “perceive” her words. Also, people who are “firm believer[s] in equality, justice and respect” can be racist; merely saying the words does not make you a freedom fighter—your actions do. Lastly, Stidham did not apologize because in her mind she did nothing wrong. Racist educators seldom take responsibility for their racist actions and believe...