The Smithsonian Institution played a role in developing a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training guide that labels objectivity as a characteristic of white supremacy, an expert testified during recent House hearings. This initiative follows the institution's prior apology for a chart that made similar assertions.

Mike Gonzalez, an expert on DEI and identity politics at the Heritage Foundation, stated that the National Museum of American History continued to advance concepts similar to those presented in a controversial "whiteness" chart, which the Smithsonian had apologized for and removed in 2020. The training guide, referred to as the "Museums as Sites for Social Action" (MASS) toolkit, reportedly describes concepts such as objectivity, individualism, and perfectionism as traits associated with white supremacy.

Gonzalez testified that for years, museum leadership engaged staff in reading groups to study the toolkit's materials, which he described as an effort to "indoctrinate staff." He further claimed that museum leadership has expressed a desire to use the institution for "societal transformation" and views history as a tool to achieve this goal.

In 2020, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture issued an apology and removed a chart that linked "objective, rational linear thinking" to "whiteness" or "white dominant culture." The museum stated at the time, "We erred in including the chart. We have removed it, and we apologize."

During one of the hearings, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, questioned Anthea Hartig, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, about the MASS Action toolkit's assertion that objectivity is part of white supremacy. Hartig responded that the museum did not develop the toolkit and denied promoting any ideology.

However, Gonzalez countered that the toolkit was co-authored by several current and former Smithsonian employees, including one from the National Museum of American History, and references Smithsonian materials. He suggested that individuals seeking to transform the country often utilize cultural institutions to shape public thought.

Gonzalez also pointed to a 2022 "Excellence in DEAI Report," co-authored by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, which praised the MASS Action toolkit as a valuable resource for DEI training. The report noted that a significant part of the work involves shifting museum professionals away from "white-dominant characteristics of perfection, risk aversion, and conflict avoidance" toward taking action.

Gonzalez directly addressed lawmakers, questioning their belief that perfection is a white characteristic, and accused Bunch of agreeing with what he termed "racist nonsense."

He concluded by calling on Congress to intervene, stating, "This Insanity has gone on long enough."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of American History for comment.