Shifting Perspectives on Thanksgiving in Education
As families across the United States come together for Thanksgiving, a holiday often regarded with fondness, some educators and schools are taking a different approach. They’re reflecting on the day’s “colonial” origins and seeking to weave in concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
At the University of California, Davis, the California History and Social Sciences Project has organized a Zoom event titled “Decolonizing Thanksgiving in the Classroom.” This event aims to review classroom traditions associated with Thanksgiving, suggesting that focusing on indigenous perspectives—like those from Turtle Island—could lead to new discussions with students about the holiday’s significance.
A recent press release from Washington University in St. Louis indicates a desire to honor various cultural interpretations of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the historical context and modern relevance of the tradition.
The event description outlines intentions to contribute positively to inclusive practices aimed at fostering individual and organizational change.
Meanwhile, students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are invited to a “4th Annual Thanksgiving Mythbusting” event focusing on how colonial narratives play into the Thanksgiving story. This event will even include a viewing of the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” As part of the festivities, students will be encouraged to travel to the National Day of Indigenous Mourning rally in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
An MIT spokesperson highlighted that while the school will close for Thanksgiving, individuals are free to observe the holiday in ways meaningful to them. They added that these personal expressions might not represent the broader campus views.
At the University of Massachusetts, Thursday is designated as a “Day of Remembrance.” An announcement notes that this day aims to educate the public about Native American history and the misconceptions surrounding Thanksgiving. This includes acknowledging the ongoing struggles faced by Native tribes.
Earlier in the month, the University of Maryland School of Public Policy hosted a talk titled “Harvest of Truth,” focusing on the disruptions caused by colonialism to indigenous food systems and the myths surrounding Thanksgiving.
Students from Albuquerque Public Schools in New Mexico also received guidance indicating that many Native peoples do not celebrate Thanksgiving, viewing it as a reminder of profound loss and cultural erasure.
In California, the Berkeley Unified School District is similarly reframing Thanksgiving. They have employed a teaching guide that encourages consideration of its painful legacy and various perspectives on the holiday.
Paul Ranko, a senior director at Defending Education, voiced concerns that Thanksgiving should unite rather than divide students. He emphasized the original intention behind the holiday—fostering gratitude and community.
As we look back, it’s intriguing to think about how, despite its roots, Thanksgiving continues to evolve, inviting a multitude of reflections and conversations on its meaning in today’s world.
