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DRAFT
Patriotism is one of those terms that seems pretty simple—until you start talking about it.
Today, there’s a national conversation unfolding about whether schools should help shape students’ sense of patriotism. Last fall, U.S. Secretary of Education said, “In the American system, educated citizens who know their rights and embrace their responsibilities cooperate to build a more perfect Union. It is imperative to promote an education system that teaches future generations honestly about America’s Founding principles, political institutions, and rich history. To truly understand American values, the tireless work it has taken to live up to them, and this country’s exceptional place in world history is the best way to inspire an informed patriotism and love of country."
At the same time, others are raising concerns—asking whether it risks becoming a form of nationalistic indoctrination, or crowding out honest discussions about the full story of our nation. In a 1943 landmark ruling about coerced speech, Supreme Court Justices Hugo Black and William O. Douglas wrote, “Love of country must spring from willing hearts and free minds."
These disagreements aren’t just happening in Washington—they’re playing out in local communities, including schools, school boards, and dinner tables. How, for instance, should a history teacher characterize the recent spate of “No Kings” protests or the one that resulted in an attack on the Capitol on January 6th, 2021? As acts of patriotism?
Too often, these conversations leave us more divided than when we started.
So for this event, we’re slowing things down. We’re bringing together a small group with different perspectives—not to win an argument, but to understand each other a little better. Each participant will have a few uninterrupted minutes to respond to these two sets of questions:
When you hear the word patriotism, what does it mean to you personally? Where did that understanding come from? Has your view changed over time?
What role, if any, should public schools play in shaping students’ sense of patriotism? What’s the risk if schools don’t address patriotism? What’s the risk if they do? Where do you draw the line between education and indoctrination?
Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions of one another before responding to questions that come in from the national audience.
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Related:
Last fall, we conducted a live event about California’s controversial Ethnic Studies requirement for high school students. Learn more and watch recordings here.
“Democrats Have a Patriotism Problem. Here’s How to Fix It.” Richard Kahlenberg, November 2025.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon To Kick Off National “History Rocks!” Tour