During a congressional hearing Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill challenged the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History Director Anthea Hartig regarding the museum's promotion of the "Museums as Site for Social Action" (MASS) Toolkit. The exchange focused on the toolkit's characterization of politeness as a trait associated with "White Supremacy Culture."
Gill, a Republican from Texas, asked Hartig if politeness is important, to which she responded affirmatively. He then presented a direct question linking the toolkit's content to his line of inquiry: "Can you help me square why your organization says that being polite is part of being a white supremacist?"
Hartig stated that she is not a white supremacist. The MASS Toolkit, developed around 2017 by museum professionals, aims to transform museums into centers for activism and has been promoted by the Smithsonian as part of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Hartig indicated that her staff did not author the toolkit itself, but its promotion by the institution was noted.
The exchange has drawn attention, with critics suggesting it highlights what they describe as "woke rot" within institutions. Similar discussions have emerged in other contexts, such as a 2021 report from Duke Medical School that reportedly deemed punctuality as part of "white supremacy culture." These instances are viewed by some as emblematic of a broader trend where institutions have incorporated what are described as anti-liberal principles into their operational frameworks.
Gill's questioning has been amplified online, with some commentators characterizing such moments as illustrative of a cultural shift that prioritizes certain ideological tenets over traditional norms. The debate surrounding the MASS Toolkit and its underlying principles continues to be a point of contention regarding the role of activism within cultural institutions.