During a Martin Luther King Jr. assembly, Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Washington presented Fidel Castro, a dictator known for his oppressive regime and human rights violations, as a champion of “social justice” and “antiracism.” This decision not only distorts history but dangerously sanitizes the actions of a tyrant.
The assembly went so far as to hold a “candlelight vigil” for Castro, labeling him as “martyred” even though he died in old age from natural causes. Worse yet, this glorification occurred alongside civil rights icons like Nelson Mandela and Emmett Till, an absurd pairing that blurs the lines between genuine fighters for justice and brutal dictators.
Equally concerning was the assembly’s treatment of the Pledge of Allegiance—a foundational expression of national unity and respect. Instead of reciting the pledge, students were asked to observe a moment of silence, ostensibly giving them a “choice” but practically minimizing and sidelining the pledge. This gesture, brief and seemingly insignificant, speaks volumes about the school’s priorities and what it chooses to elevate or diminish.
The portrayal of Castro in such a positive light, absent any serious critique of his dictatorial rule and the atrocities committed under his regime, is a grave disservice to students. It fails to provide a balanced view of history, opting instead for a narrative that suits a particular ideological agenda. This is not education; it’s propaganda. It’s a selective recounting of history that glosses over inconvenient truths about Castro’s Cuba—such as the suppression of free speech, political imprisonments, and the persecution of dissidents.
Moreover, the assembly’s apparent reluctance to honor the Pledge of Allegiance, juxtaposed with the glorification of a foreign dictator, raises serious questions about the values being imparted to students. It’s one thing to encourage critical thinking and a nuanced understanding of complex historical figures and events. It’s entirely another to rewrite history to fit a narrative that glorifies oppressors while undermining symbols of national unity and pride.
This incident at Shorecrest High School is symptomatic of a broader issue within our educational institutions, where the line between education and indoctrination is increasingly blurred. Parents, educators, and policymakers must remain vigilant and demand that schools provide a balanced and accurate portrayal of history. Our students deserve an education that informs and enlightens, not one that misleads and manipulates.
The historical revisionism displayed by Shorecrest High School do a disservice not only to the victims of Castro’s regime but also to the students entrusted to their care. Educators have a responsibility to present history in all its complexity, not cherry-pick the parts that suit our narrative. Anything less is a failure of our duty to the next generation.
