When Doing the Right Thing Gets You Fired: The Unjust Ousting of Todd Arrington

Some weeks hit harder than others, and this one’s been heavy on my heart. As someone who’s served this country and continues to fight for truth and dignity in my own backyard, I can’t stand by in silence when I see justice trampled by politics. Today, I want to talk about a man named Todd Arrington—a professional historian, veteran public servant, and until recently, the director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas.

Here’s a man who dedicated his life’s work to honoring our history, preserving facts over faction, and promoting integrity over ideology. And yet, he’s now out of a job. Not because he failed some standard or misused his position—but because he *did the right thing*.

A Quiet Stand for Truth, A Loud Political Backlash

Todd Arrington didn’t make headlines for scandal or corruption. Quite the opposite. What he did was help organize and host a symposium on the legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower this spring—an event that included scholars, historians, and public servants committed to open, honest discussion about Eisenhower’s leadership and America’s political evolution.

That may not sound controversial to you or me—it shouldn’t be. But in today’s increasingly partisan environment, even truth-telling becomes dangerous if it ruffles the wrong feathers.

Sources have reported that pressure came down from coordinated far-right political interests who thought the event was too “woke” or “partisan” simply because it acknowledged modern problems like threats to democracy, racism, and disinformation. Let’s be clear: these aren’t partisan talking points; they are the realities of our time. And facing them with the seriousness they deserve is, in fact, patriotic.

The Danger of Politicizing History

The moment we allow politicians to dictate what version of history can be told, we’ve lost the essence of our democracy. Presidential libraries were built to be *independent*, *educational spaces*, not echo chambers for whatever administration happens to be in power.

When Todd Arrington supported that symposium, he wasn’t pushing an agenda—he was upholding the mission of the National Archives and Records Administration. And let me say this as a veteran: integrity, honesty, and education are not left-wing or right-wing values. They’re American values.

Eisenhower himself warned against the “military-industrial complex” and promoted bipartisanship, peace-building, and civic duty. So how ironic is it that a man trying to honor that legacy is now being punished for it?

He’s Not Alone—And That’s the Scariest Part

Todd Arrington’s story is part of a larger pattern I’ve been watching unfold across this country. Librarians getting harassed for inclusive book collections. Teachers facing retribution for discussing race and history. Veterans like myself being questioned when we speak out on social justice or community issues because we don’t fit a pre-packaged narrative.

Folks, this is *not* what we served for. Silencing truth-tellers weakens the very foundations of a free society. If we start rewriting or restricting history to serve today’s power players, we are setting fire to the principles we claim to uphold.

We Need More Todd Arringtons

It takes courage to stand up in a system that punishes integrity. Todd likely knew the risks. He did it anyway. That’s the kind of character I respect, and it’s the kind this country desperately needs more of.

I don’t know what Todd’s next step will be, but I do know this: he should be celebrated, not sidelined.

We Can’t Be Silent About This

This situation should not go unnoticed. We need to speak up against this growing pattern of silencing public servants simply for doing their jobs the right way. Whether it’s a civil rights leader, a park ranger, or a quiet librarian standing up for intellectual honesty—we owe them our support. We owe them our voices.

Let’s make sure Todd’s story doesn’t fade into the political noise. Let it be a reminder that doing the right thing still matters—even when the consequences are unfair.

Final Reflection

To Todd, if you ever read this: thank you. From one public servant to another, your quiet courage speaks volumes. You’ve earned more than a title—you’ve earned the respect of people who still believe in truth, history, and humility over hubris.

And to my readers: Let’s remember that our ability to tell the truth, even when it’s inconvenient, is a freedom worth protecting. Please share Todd’s story. And let’s keep pushing back against a culture that punishes truth-tellers and rewards yes-men.

Because in the end, integrity must matter more than politics. Or we all lose.

—Melvin Coates
Veter