Washington state courts mandate viewing of 'Racism in America' documentary: report

On Thursday, Washington state court staffers will be required to view a documentary on "Racism in America" as part of their training.

On Wednesday, Jason Rantz reported in an article that the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) will be conducting a compulsory, in-person screening of Jeffery Robinson's documentary "Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America" followed by a discussion and Q&A session with Robinson.

An announcement from Rantz to Planet Chronicle Digital states that the event will occur at South Puget Sound Community College from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Who We Are Project website presents a film that encourages us to reflect on our identity, origins, and future aspirations.

"In 'Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America', Robinson reveals how legalized discrimination and state-sanctioned brutality, murder, dispossession, and disenfranchisement persisted long after slavery ended, significantly hindering Black Americans' ability to amass wealth, secure employment, housing, education, and healthcare. Through his poignant, humorous, passionate, and enraged writing, Robinson exposes an often overlooked history and our collective duty to build a better future."

The film explores the enduring legacy of White supremacy and our collective responsibility to overcome it, from a hanging tree in Charleston, South Carolina, to a walking tour of the origins of slavery in colonial New York, to the site of a 1947 lynching in rural Alabama.

An AOC spokesperson confirmed that the screening is a compulsory training session and defended the film selection.

The spokesperson stated that the film has been shown frequently within the legal community, including at the AOC, and leadership believes it is crucial for all staff to view it as they work towards creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

The Washington Courts employee objected to the event, arguing that it was "fueling division."

"The employee stated that they are already educated on racism and slavery in their country and do not require a biased history lesson. Additionally, they pointed out that they are not receiving job-specific training."

The AOC has not responded to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for comment.