Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News host and now a prominent conservative commentator, found herself at the center of a heated controversy following her remarks on the first night of the Democratic National Convention. The incident sparked widespread criticism from political pundits, journalists and commentators, who called her comments racially insensitive and reignited discussions about the role of race in American discourse.
The uproar began when Kelly commented on X, formerly Twitter, on a speech by Laphonza Butler, the newly appointed senator from California who succeeded the late Dianne Feinstein. Butler, like Vice President Kamala Harris, is a graduate of a historically African-American college or university (HBCU), a fact she proudly highlighted during her speech at the DNC. However, Kelly’s response to Butler’s praise of her HBCU background sparked immediate backlash.
Kelly’s post questioned the importance of Butler and Harris’ educational backgrounds by drawing an unfounded comparison to predominantly white institutions. Her comment implied that a commitment to an HBCU education was akin to a white person being proud of having attended a majority-white university. This remark was quickly condemned by many as racially insensitive and ignorant of the historical context behind HBCUs.
Prominent journalists and political commentators did not hesitate to voice their disapproval. Longtime journalist Joan Walsh was one of the first to criticize Kelly’s statement, saying that Kelly’s comment reflected a larger misunderstanding or willful ignorance of American racial history. Other voices, such as Norman Ornstein of The Atlantic and Tim Miller of The Bulwark, were even more direct, calling Kelly’s comment embarrassing and racist.
The backlash was not limited to members of the media. Many pointed out that historically, black colleges and universities were founded out of necessity when African Americans were systematically excluded from existing institutions of higher education. The legacy of HBCUs is closely tied to the fight for civil rights and equal access to education, which is why Kelly’s comments are particularly offensive to those who know that history.
Criticism of Kelly’s remarks also drew attention to the broader societal problem of racial inequality in education. Many of her critics emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of HBCU graduates, especially in a society where access to education has historically been unequal. They argued that Kelly’s remarks reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of why institutions like Jackson State University, which Senator Butler attended, and Howard University, which Vice President Harris attended, are significant not only because of their graduates, but also because of the progress they represent in the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund have long emphasized the important role of HBCUs in providing educational opportunities to African Americans who were previously legally denied access to education. Kelly’s comments, which have been viewed as a disrespect for that legacy, have further fueled the debate about the importance of understanding and respecting the historical context that shapes American society.
As the backlash against Kelly continues, it is becoming clear how difficult it is to navigate debates about race in America. Her comments have not only sparked significant controversy, but are a reminder of the deep-rooted issues that continue to permeate public discourse about race, education and history.
