The Revisionaries

The Revisionaries is a 2012 educational documentary that interrogates the world of educational policy and the complex issue of what is taught in public schools. The documentary focuses on the famously controversial Texas State Board of Education and its frequent battles over textbooks and curriculums, showcasing the ideological battles that shape, or rather, rewrite the principles of public education. Specifically, the film takes a magnifying lens to renowned creationist and then-chair of the board, Don McLeroy, who took it upon himself to challenge and rewrite the educational norms, particularly in the areas of science and history.

In a contemporary environment of alarming polarization, The Revisionaries unravels important discussions about science, religion, and politics, explored through the conflict-ridden journey of the board’s pursuits. Filmmaker Scott Thurman exhibits an intimate and in-depth exploration into how textbooks are created and, importantly, who gets to decide what goes in them.

The documentary spans over a three-year period, during which the state board had been involved in the controversial adoption of new science and social studies curriculum standards. It highlights the struggles faced by both the board and the people seeking to influence its decisions. And in this hard-fought battle, viewers encounter the potent influence individual personalities can unleash on policymaking at the macro level.

The film opens with Don McLeroy, a dentist and a young Earth creationist, who was the chairman of the Texas State Board of Education. McLeroy is found uniquely battling not just with the educational establishment but also with his own re-election. He firmly believes that evolution should be taught as theory and not fact in schools, and his charismatic yet controversial leadership unearths the tensions between faith and facts, religion and politics, and science and belief.

Kathy Miller, representing the Texas Freedom Network — a group that opposes religious influence in public education, is another riveting character portrayed in the film. She is the counter-voice challenging McLeroy and his academic adjustments with a firm vision of promoting factual and unbiased education.

We also meet Jonathan Saenz, lawyer and conservative activist, who later becomes the president of Texas Values. Saenz has often been viewed as an opposition to LGBTQ rights. Though his role in the film is limited, his involvement puts a spotlight on the diversity of voices that influence these vital educational decisions.

A pivotal aspect of the film is McLeroy's agenda to 'rewrite' or 'rewrite' American history. His focus on shifting traditional teachings towards a Christian interpretation ignited a national discourse on the separations between faith and school teachings. His intentions have stirred considerable controversy, leaving audiences to question the profound influence our educators hold and how it should be checked.

The Revisionaries serves not just as a story trace for a political drama or a character study of McLeroy, but also as a significant conversation starter about the intersection of faith and knowledge. It sparks dialogue about what and how we teach our children, how we view historical and cultural biases, and how we progress as a society while respecting diversity.

The film has managed to maintain a balanced perspective, ensuring not to caricature its subject – McLeroy. Instead, the focus stands on the systemic issues persisting in the American educational system, the power dynamics at play, and the ideological warfare that has the potential to shift the course for future generations.

Throughout, The Revisionaries does more than just document a landmark event in public education. It urges us to look critically at the broader implications of such instances where personal beliefs and ideologies threaten to outweigh evidence and facts in the education system.

The Revisionaries is a compelling documentary that engrosses its audiences in a critical debate about the future of education and indirectly, the complexion of the nation itself. It's a gripping cinematic experience that successfully stimulates thought beyond the screen and permeates our daily discussions around truth, belief, facts, and their place in our educational foundations.