The Impact of Racist Practices in Higher Education: Examining the English Language In a Different Light
Pennsylvania State University, once seen as a place of progress and enlightenment, has come under scrutiny for its alleged promotion of racist ideologies within its English language program. One particular professor, Zack De Piero, has experienced firsthand the consequences of these teachings and now accuses the university of discriminatory practices.
Unveiling the Allegations
De Piero, formerly an English professor at Penn State Abington, has joined forces with The Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) to bring forth a lawsuit against the institution. What makes his case even more compelling is the troubling experiences he encountered, where he claims to have been targeted and humiliated due to his race.
An Alarming Curriculum
As part of his professional development training, De Piero was exposed to presentations with unsettling titles like “White Teachers are a Problem.” These sessions attributed all the world’s evils to ‘White supremacy.’ He was expected to believe that, as a white individual, he was inherently flawed because of history’s wrongdoings. The workshops he endured felt like psychological warfare, designed to break him down mentally.
A Disturbing Response to Protest
When De Piero voiced his objections against the continuous racial insults aimed at white faculty members, he faced more controversial comments. Allegedly, the director of the Affirmative Action Office at Penn State suggested there was a problem with the white race and even insinuated that De Piero might suffer from mental health issues. Attending ‘antiracist’ workshops until he ‘gets it’ was recommended as a solution.
The Advocates of the Doctrine
It wasn’t just the Affirmative Action Office that allegedly promoted this narrative. De Piero’s supervisor in the English department, Liliana Naydan, reportedly endorsed racism against white faculty and students. Even an equity administrator, Alina Wong, supposedly conducted exercises that subjected white staff to hold their breath longer than people of color.
The Impact of ‘White English’
One of the most shocking revelations from the lawsuit is the claim that teaching ‘White English… kills people of color.’ Naydan apparently instructed faculty members to teach English itself as a ‘racist’ language. The lawsuit also suggests that Naydan propagated the belief that racism against white individuals cannot be categorized as racism.
Consequences and Aftermath
De Piero expresses the emotional toll that this racially hostile work environment had on him. He appreciates the support from his loved ones but worries about those who may not have such a network to rely on. He passionately expresses his desire for his daughter to never experience what he had to endure.
Confronting the Consequences
In response to De Piero’s concerns, the university retaliated with complaints and a negative performance review. He was warned that dissenting from Penn State’s race-based doctrine would result in disciplinary action. Ultimately, he had no choice but to leave the institution.
Penn State University has chosen not to comment on the ongoing litigation. This case brings to light the urgent need for discussions surrounding how universities handle their professional development programs, and whether these programs truly foster a culture of inclusivity and tolerance.
Questioning the State of Higher Education
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