National Guard

History does not suggest a widespread practice by Black soldiers or officers to refuse to carry out orders. However, it does record episodes of courageous dissent during times of racial tensions — such as the Vietnam War and urban rebellions in the 1960s, and the protests over the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

The deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., by the Trump administration signals another controversial and, ultimately, unjustified action. While framed as a necessary measure to combat a “public safety emergency, and help reestablish law and order,” it has no justification in fact or law.

Gov. Maura Healey rejected calls this week to deploy National Guard troops to patrol the hallways of troubled Brockton High School where assaults, threats and drug use have mounted after staffing cuts and teacher absences.