Universities and School Districts 'Decolonize' Thanksgiving — Center Indigenous Voices and Mark a 'Day of Mourning'

As millions of Americans prepare to observe Thanksgiving, several universities and K–12 districts are rethinking how the holiday is taught and commemorated, placing greater emphasis on Indigenous perspectives and the holiday’s colonial history.

UC Davis hosted a Zoom session titled "Decolonizing Thanksgiving in the Classroom," led by the California History-Social Science Project. The session invited educators to "reframe classroom practices and rituals about Thanksgiving" and to "center perspectives from Turtle Island"—a name some Indigenous people use for North America—to spark more authentic conversations with students.

Washington University in St. Louis promoted programming described as honoring the diverse ways different cultures understand Thanksgiving, framing the event as part of broader efforts toward inclusive and equitable practices.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) invited students to its "4th annual Thanksgiving Myth-busting" event, which organizers say continues an "exploration of the narratives justifying land grabs via colonialism." The program includes a screening of the television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and encourages voluntary travel to the National Day of Mourning rally in Plymouth, Massachusetts, near the site of the Mayflower landing.

"Individuals are free at MIT to express their views, observe holidays as they wish, pray as they choose, share their ideas about holidays, and, yes, watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer if that’s what they freely choose to do," an MIT spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that the views expressed by individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of the university community.

University of Massachusetts described the fourth Thursday in November as the "National Day of Mourning" on its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility pages. The announcement explains that the demonstration aims to educate the public about Native American histories—particularly of the Wampanoag and other Eastern tribes—debunk myths about Thanksgiving, and raise awareness of ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities.

Other academic programs and school districts have hosted events or issued guidance that challenge traditional Thanksgiving narratives. The University of Maryland School of Public Policy presented a talk titled "Harvesting the Truth: Colonial Disruptions of Indigenous Food Systems & the Myths of Thanksgiving."

In Albuquerque Public Schools, an Indigenous Education update noted that "many native people do not celebrate" Thanksgiving because it recalls the genocide of Native peoples, the appropriation of their lands, and the erosion of Indigenous cultures; the district said the holiday can be a time of "mourning" for some. The Berkeley Unified School District issued a "Rethinking Thanksgiving Teaching Guide" that urges educators and families to consider the holiday’s "painful legacy" and to present more nuanced perspectives.

Critics say these approaches risk dividing communities during a holiday traditionally seen as unifying. Paul Runko, senior director of Strategic Initiatives at Defending Education, argued that Thanksgiving should bring people together rather than cast blame, noting the long-standing presidential tradition of setting aside a day to give thanks.

What's at stake

Supporters of rethinking Thanksgiving say their goal is to broaden public understanding by centering Indigenous histories and contemporary concerns, encouraging students and communities to reflect on multiple perspectives. Opponents argue that reframing the holiday could politicize classroom celebrations and strain communal ties. Institutions taking these steps emphasize dialogue, educational context, and voluntary participation in events.