Warren Smith, a high school teacher known for promoting critical thinking through his YouTube channel, “Secret Scholar Society,” was dismissed from his teaching position. This event followed a viral video, retweeted by Elon Musk, which depicted Smith encouraging a student to critically evaluate accusations of bigotry against author J.K. Rowling. The video, which highlighted Smith’s approach to fostering independent thinking among students, received significant attention online.
Warren Smith: "I'm not going to say what is right or wrong or which way to think. The whole point is to learn how to think not what to think."
Smith, who was recently fired, went viral in the attached video for questioning why a student thought JK Rowling held bigoted opinions.… pic.twitter.com/qgZXXJkoFd
— The Rabbit Hole (@TheRabbitHole84) May 14, 2024
Smith’s dismissal reportedly occurred three months after the video’s widespread circulation. He described the firing as abrupt and expressed that it was executed without much discussion. In a video statement, Smith articulated his surprise and disappointment, emphasizing that he had not breached any trust or legal parameters set by the school. He suggested that the school’s decision might have been influenced by the visibility the video received, particularly after Musk’s endorsement of its educational value.
7 days ago I was fired from my school after 4 years of teaching.
I recorded this the following day in order to share my perspective – honestly & in good faith – in order to move forward and put this experience behind me. I have no desire to cause complications or bring unwanted… pic.twitter.com/Bf61VC2dD1— Warren Smith (@WTSmith17) May 13, 2024
Elon Musk, commenting on the situation, criticized educational institutions for becoming what he sees as centers of indoctrination rather than critical thinking. This incident has sparked discussions on the role of educators in encouraging independent thought and the pressures they face in environments that may increasingly value conformity over critical inquiry.
Critical thinking should be the first thing taught to kids https://t.co/8dhvilUKRc
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 4, 2024
Smith, in his public remarks, has called for respect for privacy and dignity, underscoring his commitment to speaking truthfully about his experiences without causing further controversy or drawing undue attention to the school involved.