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In a crucial discussion, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D interviews Dr. Rosa Clemente, a journalist, political activist, and former vice-presidential candidate. They discuss the rising threats to education, civil rights, and the broader implications of political shifts in the U.S.
Dr. Rosa Clemente warns that an executive order could soon dismantle the Department of Education. Many people don’t realize that this decision affects Pell Grants, special education programs, and student loans. Clemente emphasizes that the attack on education is not just about curriculum but a broader effort to suppress marginalized communities.
She compares these actions to fascist regimes, stating that the first targets are always teachers and artists. Universities are now afraid to address equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI), fearing backlash.
Clemente highlights how history is being erased at an alarming rate. Universities are under investigation for what the government calls “anti-Semitic discrimination”, yet there is little mention of Islamophobia or discrimination against other marginalized groups.
She notes that the most attacked fields include Black Studies, Chicano Studies, Native American Studies, and LGBTQ+ Studies. At the same time, tenure protections are under threat in 11 states, leaving professors vulnerable to political pressure.
Davey D points out how anti-intellectualism has systematically devalued education. He connects this to figures like Kanye West, who famously dismissed reading, and media outlets that downplay research by labeling it as “woke.”
Clemente agrees, referencing Lupe Fiasco’s song “Dumb It Down,” which critiques how society discourages critical thinking. She argues that discrediting intellectuals makes it easier to manipulate public opinion and justify extreme policies.
Beyond education, Clemente outlines a wider economic attack, including:
The ripple effect will devastate small businesses, as federal workers and service users disappear from local economies.
Clemente stresses that national movements have failed, pointing to the shortcomings of Black Lives Matter’s national organization. Instead, she calls for local organizing, mutual aid, and cooperative economics.
She highlights efforts by Cooperation Jackson, which is pushing for a general strike on October 14th to protest economic injustice.
Davey D warns that division weakens movements. He criticizes how different communities—Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and feminist groups—have been isolated and turned against each other. Meanwhile, right-wing groups, evangelicals, and extremists have united under a common cause.
Clemente agrees, arguing that the Democratic Party has failed to stand up. She believes corporate Democrats have cut a deal, allowing far-right policies to advance while sidelining progressive voices.
Clemente reveals that federal contracts no longer explicitly ban segregated facilities, signaling a return to Jim Crow-era policies.
Davey D warns that this is a direct response to DEI programs. Safe spaces once created for marginalized students are now being weaponized to justify white-only spaces under the guise of “fairness.”
Clemente urges people to:
She emphasizes that empire does not last forever, and collective action can turn the tide.
Follow Dr. Rosa Clemente on:
Stay tuned to Hard Knock Radio for more critical conversations.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
The post In Conversation with Dr. Rosa Clemente about Education, Fascism, and Resistance appeared first on KPFA.
In a crucial discussion, Hard Knock Radio host Davey D interviews Dr. Rosa Clemente, a journalist, political activist, and former vice-presidential candidate. They discuss the rising threats to education, civil rights, and the broader implications of political shifts in the U.S.
Dr. Rosa Clemente warns that an executive order could soon dismantle the Department of Education. Many people don’t realize that this decision affects Pell Grants, special education programs, and student loans. Clemente emphasizes that the attack on education is not just about curriculum but a broader effort to suppress marginalized communities.
She compares these actions to fascist regimes, stating that the first targets are always teachers and artists. Universities are now afraid to address equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI), fearing backlash.
Clemente highlights how history is being erased at an alarming rate. Universities are under investigation for what the government calls “anti-Semitic discrimination”, yet there is little mention of Islamophobia or discrimination against other marginalized groups.
She notes that the most attacked fields include Black Studies, Chicano Studies, Native American Studies, and LGBTQ+ Studies. At the same time, tenure protections are under threat in 11 states, leaving professors vulnerable to political pressure.
Davey D points out how anti-intellectualism has systematically devalued education. He connects this to figures like Kanye West, who famously dismissed reading, and media outlets that downplay research by labeling it as “woke.”
Clemente agrees, referencing Lupe Fiasco’s song “Dumb It Down,” which critiques how society discourages critical thinking. She argues that discrediting intellectuals makes it easier to manipulate public opinion and justify extreme policies.
Beyond education, Clemente outlines a wider economic attack, including:
The ripple effect will devastate small businesses, as federal workers and service users disappear from local economies.
Clemente stresses that national movements have failed, pointing to the shortcomings of Black Lives Matter’s national organization. Instead, she calls for local organizing, mutual aid, and cooperative economics.
She highlights efforts by Cooperation Jackson, which is pushing for a general strike on October 14th to protest economic injustice.
Davey D warns that division weakens movements. He criticizes how different communities—Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and feminist groups—have been isolated and turned against each other. Meanwhile, right-wing groups, evangelicals, and extremists have united under a common cause.
Clemente agrees, arguing that the Democratic Party has failed to stand up. She believes corporate Democrats have cut a deal, allowing far-right policies to advance while sidelining progressive voices.
Clemente reveals that federal contracts no longer explicitly ban segregated facilities, signaling a return to Jim Crow-era policies.
Davey D warns that this is a direct response to DEI programs. Safe spaces once created for marginalized students are now being weaponized to justify white-only spaces under the guise of “fairness.”
Clemente urges people to:
She emphasizes that empire does not last forever, and collective action can turn the tide.
Follow Dr. Rosa Clemente on:
Stay tuned to Hard Knock Radio for more critical conversations.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.
The post In Conversation with Dr. Rosa Clemente about Education, Fascism, and Resistance appeared first on KPFA.