Thank You for Being a Partner
Thank you for helping us bring more thoughtful, respectful dialogue to one of the most important conversations happening in education today.
This toolkit provides everything you need to help spread the word about our upcoming national conversation. Please feel free to use any of the language and graphics included here.
About this Event
Patriotism is one of those words that seems straightforward—until people begin talking about it.
Today, educators, parents, lawmakers, and communities are engaged in an ongoing conversation about whether public schools should play a role in shaping students' sense of patriotism.
In February 2025, members of Congress introduced the Promoting American Patriotism in Our Schools Act, legislation that would require federally funded schools to display the American flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and provide instruction on the history and significance of the flag. Supporters argue these measures promote civic responsibility and national unity, while others raise questions about free expression, historical complexity, and the distinction between civic education and indoctrination.
This event creates space for a thoughtful conversation—not a debate—where Americans with diverse perspectives can explore these questions together.
Event Details
Event: National Conversation – Patriotism in America's Schools
Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
Time:
• 7:00 PM Eastern
• 6:00 PM Central
• 5:00 PM Mountain
• 4:00 PM Pacific
Format: Live Virtual Event
Cost: Free
Important Links:
Discussion Topics
Participants will explore questions including:
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? How, if at all, does patriotism differ from nationalism?
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? How do we distinguish between healthy socialization and indoctrination?
Who Should Attend?
We welcome educators, students, parents, school board members, administrators, policymakers, journalists, researchers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in strengthening civic dialogue.
Who Should Attend?
We welcome educators, students, parents, school board members, administrators, policymakers, journalists, researchers, nonprofit leaders, and anyone interested in strengthening civic dialogue.