PAWHUSKA, Okla. — “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a book and film that delve into the true story of Native American murders in the 1920s, has become a cultural touchstone. However, in Oklahoma, where the murders took place, educators are concerned that a recently enacted law may prevent them from teaching about the events depicted in the story.
The law in question, HB 1775, was signed into law in 2021 by Oklahoma’s Republican governor, Kevin Stitt. It prohibits educators from teaching that any individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive based on their race or sex. It also prohibits teaching that individuals should feel psychological distress based on their race or sex. As a result, certain terms, including “diversity” and “white privilege,” have been banned from classrooms. Additionally, books such as “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Raisin in the Sun” have been removed from school curricula.
Teachers in Oklahoma have expressed concerns that “Killers of the Flower Moon” may face a similar fate. Some educators have avoided assigning the book due to fears of reprisals under HB 1775. The law’s vague language has left teachers unsure of whether teaching the book could result in punishment.
At Dewey High School, English teacher Debra Thoreson previously assigned “Killers” to her students but has now chosen not to in order to protect her teaching license. Other teachers argue that it is important for students to learn the historical lessons from “Killers” and understand perspectives different from their own.
Critics of the law, including the book’s author David Grann, argue that it stifles discussion and limits teachers’ ability to educate students about important historical events. Grann, a former teacher himself, believes that laws like HB 1775 create an atmosphere of censorship and anxiety among educators.
Efforts are being made to challenge the law. The Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes has called for its repeal, citing the negative impact on teaching accurate historical information. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also filed a lawsuit to challenge the law.
In response to criticism, HB 1775’s sponsor, state Rep. Kevin West, asserts that the law does not suppress teaching actual history and encourages teaching children what happened in the past. Despite the debate, the future of teaching “Killers of the Flower Moon” in Oklahoma remains uncertain.
The impact of HB 1775 extends beyond the specific book and film. It raises questions about academic freedom and the limits placed on educators when teaching sensitive subjects. As the legal battle continues, educators and advocates are working to ensure that important aspects of history and literature are not lost in the classroom.