Smithsonian Faces Scrutiny Over Refusal to Screen Conservative Documentary

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is facing scrutiny over its decision not to publicly screen "White Guilt," a documentary by filmmaker Eli Steele that challenges progressive views on race and identity. Steele, the son of Black conservative academic Shelby Steele, whose book the documentary is based on, argues that the museum has not adequately explained why his film has not been scheduled for a public showing, despite having previously screened films that examine systemic racism.

Steele, who is Black, Jewish, and deaf, has stated that communications with the museum indicate they declined his proposed screening dates and offered a private rental option for $35,000 instead. He contends that the museum has yet to provide alternative dates for a public screening. "The film is professionally shot, the quality is there. A comparable film that they've shown is '13th,' which itself is a very controversial film," Steele told Fox News Digital. "So that's the big question we have here: Do we have viewpoint diversity or do we not? Do you have to be the right kind of Black to be shown at the Smithsonian?"

Other Black conservatives have echoed Steele's concerns, suggesting a pattern of intolerance towards divergent views within academic and cultural institutions. Carol Swain, a retired Black conservative professor, stated, "When you look at an institution like the Smithsonian, that's supposed to belong to all of us, to all Americans, you would think that it would be open to divergent views. That is not what we find."

Jason Riley, a Wall Street Journal columnist and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, suggested that the film might be perceived as a direct challenge to the prevailing viewpoints of those who curate such institutions. "I think the type of people who run the Smithsonian Institute are part of the broader liberal intelligentsia in this country that prevails in academia, prevails and the media," Riley commented. "And this is not a point of view. That they take kindness to."

The NMAAHC has previously hosted public screenings of films such as "Hidden Figures" (2016), "I Am Not Your Negro" (2017), and "Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality" (2023). The documentary "13th," which argues that the 13th Amendment enabled continued racial control after slavery, is also featured in the museum's educational and public programming.

Steele and his team initially reached out to the Smithsonian in late August about a public screening, submitting an application and proposing two dates in early September. Approximately two weeks later, the museum informed them that neither date was available. After inquiries about alternatives, the museum offered a private rental. When Steele's team reiterated their interest in a public screening and indicated flexibility on dates, they received no further response.

"My father, Shelby Steele, was born into segregation and has spent decades examining how America has changed, how far we have come, and what still divides us. ‘White Guilt,’ drawing on his 2006 book, brings that work to the screen," Steele stated. "We approached the Smithsonian’s African American museum because we believe that conversation belongs there. Sharing his life’s work in a museum dedicated to the history he lived would mean a great deal to both of us."

The Smithsonian's NMAAHC did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. The dispute arises amidst broader political pressure on the Smithsonian from the Trump administration, which has accused the institution of promoting progressive narratives and threatened to restrict federal support.