July 1, 2021

First, some background:

In 2015, the SC Progressive Network launched the Modjeska Simkins School for Human Rights to teach a people’s history of South Carolina — the material missing in the textbooks we were assigned — and the skills to be better citizens and more effective organizers. The school has exceeded our wildest expectations, and is the most rewarding work we’ve done in our 26 years of advocating for social justice in South Carolina.

Because of the pandemic, the last two sessions of the school have been held on Zoom, which has complicated not just teaching but the building of relationships in the class. In the past, students could interact more directly with teachers and each other, and would stay after class to talk and get acquainted. While now, on Zoom, some stay after class to talk, it is not the same as being face-to face.

In Class 9, where we discuss strategy and tactics, Network Director and school founder Brett Bursey used a racial epithet in recounting an incident that happened in 1969, when a racist called him an “n-lover” for coming to the defense of a Black man who was being assaulted in a Columbia cafe in front of a white police officer. The racist, of course, didn’t actually say “n-word” as he assaulted Brett — and neither did Brett in telling his story to the class. (It is worth noting, since a student accused Brett of “centering” himself in that class, that Brett was filling in that night for the two scheduled presenters who were unable to make it. They were to speak to the difficulty of doing anti-racism work.)

Several students were upset at Brett’s language, and took it up in the chat. Their concerns were not immediately addressed because the hosts and presenters were paying attention to the speakers rather than the chat. So when a student finally objected on screen, in an indirect manner, the co-hosts and many of the other students didn’t understand what was happening.

A similar scenario unfolded in the spring 2020 session, also held on Zoom, when guest Harold Hatcher, Chief of the Waccamaw people, was telling a story about growing up in racist South Carolina. His choice of words caused at least one student great offense, and class time was given over to discussion of the matter.

For his part, Brett has apologized in class and in the email below that was sent to everyone involved in this session.

• • •

Message from SC Progressive Network Director Brett Bursey:
 
I want to apologize to every student in this session for using language that caused pain and threw the last two classes off course. I also apologize to Dr. Robert Greene and our guest Lewis Pitts for putting them in such an awkward position and making their jobs harder. I am truly sorry.
 
Language is powerful, and words matter. I promise to choose mine with more care.
 
We hope that we can turn this heated conversation into constructive dialogue and collective growth. To that end, we are offering a deeper dive into the dialogue we’ve started. Monday’s class will be given over to talking about this further.
 
Dr. Frank Martin, who is familiar with the current situation and was part of last Monday’s class, will guide the discussion. He invites you to:

Communication, Conversation, Implicature, and Political Discourse
A Workshop on Speech as Ethical Action
facilitated by Frank C. Martin, II, Ph. D.
Philosophy, Specializing in Axiology (the philosophical study of value)
 

We won’t be talking about the practicum on Monday, as had been scheduled. Instead, staff will talk after graduation with individuals or groups who want to work on a project. More on that later.
 
Finally, Dr. Robert Greene sent this message to share with you:

It is with heartfelt sincerity that I wish to apologize for the events surrounding language in the last two classes. The Modjeska Simkins School of Human Rights is meant to be a safe, comforting, and learning space for everyone, and that tranquility was disrupted. I will strive to do better as Lead Instructor and will do everything I can to make sure the school lives up to the high expectations we should all hold for it.

Robert Greene II, PhD.
Modjeska Simkins School for Human Rights Faculty Coordinator

• • •

Dr. Martin was asked to lead a session on political discourse, his specialty, and to facilitate a discussion among students. (He is not associated with the Network, as has been said in some circles in an effort to discredit his role. His only link with the Network is being a mentor to Network Co-Chair Omari Fox while he attended SC State University.)

The staff took students’ concerns seriously enough to dedicate the entire last class to address them. Some of the students who had expressed their objections chose not to attend. Others came but used the chat to express themselves rather than hear what Dr. Martin had to offer.

After meetings with the school staff and advisors, the consensus of the Network’s executive committee was to apologize to those who have been hurt, and then get back to our work. We have resolved to include a message in the school application advising prospective students that the Modjeska Simkins School is a graduate-level program, and to expect tough topics and hard conversations.

We will ask future guest speakers to be mindful of their words, but we are not in the business of censorship. We believe that everyone should have agency to tell their own stories in ways that are true and authentic. Intent and context are critical.

In keeping with our commitment to learning and growing, we are willing to meet with allies and adversaries in whatever forum they want to facilitate. Whether that happens or not, know that we appreciate all the warriors in South Carolina’s trenches. There is enough social justice work to keep us all busy for the rest of our lives. Let’s collaborate when we can, respectfully disagree when we can’t, and grant each other the grace to believe that we’re all doing our best during truly trying times.

Sincerely,

SC Progressive Network Executive Committee