Lawmakers Criticize Smithsonian Exhibit as ‘Woke’

Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) discussed concerns on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” where Republicans claim that the Smithsonian Institution’s museums are prioritizing leftist agendas over historical accuracy.

As scrutiny of the Smithsonian’s museums intensifies among Republicans, it seems more individuals from previous Democratic roles or progressive nonprofits are now in senior positions within various nonprofits. Hiring managers highlight their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

A review of public biographies and social media profiles showed that about two dozen individuals held executive or curatorial roles at the Smithsonian and previously worked with Democratic Party entities or progressive organizations. This trend extends beyond just a handful of senior staff.

Concerns are likely to rise with the appointment of former Democratic staffers to key positions at the Smithsonian, as critics argue this could suggest a growing left-leaning bias within the expansive museum and research organization.

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Republicans have increasingly accused the Smithsonian Institution, particularly its National Museum of American History, of promoting a progressive perspective. They assert that the museum emphasizes identity politics while neglecting traditional historical figures like the Founding Fathers. Exhibits on themes such as gender identity and social justice have been targeted by notable conservative voices, who believe they shift the focus from neutral depictions of history to political activism.

These accusations build upon a history of leadership prioritizing DEI principles. Roshni Lal, who directs academic appointments at the Smithsonian, is acknowledged for her commitment to bringing DEI into hiring practices.

Lal previously directed DEI initiatives at Mountain Pacific University Employers Association. Her emphasis on aligning with “culturally inclusive” job placements for students of color highlights her focus on identity-driven career services.

Curators at the National Museum of American History have indicated that their projects revolve around themes of race and social justice—topics prominently featured in many of the museum’s exhibitions.

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The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has faced backlash for being viewed as “ideologically captured” during America’s 250th anniversary. Critics argue that the museum promotes a revised version of history, sidelining significant narratives.

Within the museum, some curators focus their research and exhibitions on racial identity. This also extends to the Restoration History Center, which seeks to bring visibility to marginalized narratives by employing restorative justice principles.

Recent congressional hearings aimed at investigating whether taxpayer funds were misused to advance left-leaning ideologies have put the Smithsonian under pressure. Some conservative lawmakers intend to utilize congressional spending powers to restrict funding to the Smithsonian unless it modifies its exhibition themes.

Mike Gonzalez from the Heritage Foundation remarked in congressional testimony that the current leadership of the Smithsonian has distorted the purpose of these cultural institutions, suggesting they’re twisting them into platforms for anti-American narratives.

Public records hint at a center-left bias among higher staff at the Smithsonian, reflected in the backgrounds of several senior officials. For example, the head librarian at the National Museum of American History previously worked at the Urban Institute, known for its progressive policies.

While understanding the complete political affiliations of Smithsonian staff is challenging based on public records alone, campaign finance data indicates that only about 1% of donations from those identified as Smithsonian employees have gone to Republican committees this quarter.

Fox News Digital has made efforts to reach out to Smithsonian officials for their perspectives on these matters.