Pawhuska, Oklahoma – Teachers in Oklahoma are hesitant to teach a book that the film “Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on, citing fears of violating new state laws and potential repercussions. The movie, which has been nominated for 10 Oscars, tells the true story of the systematic murders of wealthy members of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma during the 1920s by white settlers. The Native Americans had become wealthy after oil was discovered on their land. Despite its popularity, high school English teacher Debra Thoreson expresses concerns about teaching the book due to the discomfort it may cause and the potential risk to her teaching licenses and school.
Thoreson explains that diving into the history of that era would inevitably touch on the laws, social dynamics between races and genders, and the uncomfortable truths about society. However, recent legislation passed in Oklahoma complicates discussions around race and sex in schools. House Bill 1775, signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt in May 2021, bans diversity training and prohibits teaching that would induce psychological distress based on race or sex. Violating this law can result in teachers losing their licenses and schools having their accreditation revoked.
Educators and leaders of the Osage Nation worry that this law undermines efforts to teach a comprehensive and accurate version of state history. They argue that glossing over the more painful aspects of history does not lead to progress or understanding. Jim Gray, former chief of the Osage Nation, emphasizes the importance of telling stories that may make people uncomfortable, as they reflect the truth of what happened in the past.
David Grann, the author of the book “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and Jim Gray co-wrote an op-ed in The New York Times highlighting the significance of these debates. They argue that the battles over teaching history accurately not only impact factual accuracy but also shape how future generations will perceive and remember the past. The authors stress that it is crucial to reveal the abhorrently racist system that forced members of the Osage tribe to have white guardians for their money in the 1920s.
Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters asserts that the Osage murders can and should be taught in schools, but argues against approaches that make students feel ashamed or guilty about their race or background. According to Education Week, Oklahoma’s law restricting discussions on race and sex aligns with a national trend, with 18 Republican-led states passing similar legislation or bans.
The fear of facing repercussions under the new law has prompted some teachers, like Thoreson, to refrain from teaching “Killers of the Flower Moon” and other potentially contentious materials. Thoreson encourages parents to engage with their children’s teachers and curriculum, while also expressing concern about the regression she perceives when uncomfortable historical narratives are avoided.
With ongoing debates over teaching history and the potential consequences for educators, the question of how new generations will understand the past remains at stake. The impact of teaching an accurate and complete history, including its uncomfortable truths, continues to be a subject of contention in Oklahoma and beyond.