Parents and activists are feeling overwhelmed all over the country as they are confronted with a complex public school system that has a complex funding system, trying to determine a course of action on how to have their voices heard and their needs addressed.
Activism in America has taken two directions, one group of people see an opportunity to make some money by fundraising, some shocking videos to make media clickbait and get some attention. The other group of people has taken the longer path of working alongside legislators, working professionally to impact lawmakers with legislative action that, when done right, is often very effective.
Here is a story of positive activism. And I covered the tools and the methods of that kind of activism right here.
The use of media is essential to help carry the activist’s message and get support. However, some activist groups have gone too far with shocking content that does not impact the legislative process.
Here is proof that legislative action works.
The Washington Times reported on Friday good news for those who are concerned about Critical Race Theory seeping into Government and Civis curriculums.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on Friday backed off from his proposal to create a new grant that was seen as encouraging the teaching of critical race theory and the “1619 Project.”
Cardona announced that the department would go forward with the creation of the new federal grants but the grants would not require classwork based on critical race theory or the “1619 Project.”https://t.co/JmK8t7YoI3
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) July 17, 2021
The reaction by an activist group, Parents Defending Education (PDE), is noteworthy because they are on the frontlines, focused on doing what works:
Parents Defending Education is a national grassroots organization working to reclaim our schools from activists promoting harmful agendas. Through network and coalition building, investigative reporting, litigation, and engagement on local, state, and national policies, we are fighting indoctrination in the classroom — and for the restoration of a healthy, non-political education for our kids.
Secretary Cardona makes the right decision in changing course on new federal grants for American History and Civics Education
PRESS RELEASES
Parents Defending Education (PDE) applauds the decision by Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona, to change course on the new federal grants for the American History and Civics Education programs by withdrawing the requirement that grantees incorporate curriculum and instruction based on or similar to the 1619 Project or the works of Ibram X. Kendi. It is our hope that this change in the “proposed priorities” is a sign of the administration’s recommitment to historical accuracy and civics education over ideology and advocacy.
According to the federal register, 33,967 comments on the proposed grants were submitted to the Department of Education; the vast majority expressed concern over the Biden administration’s support for making racism and slavery the centerpiece of American history. PDE played a significant role in helping parents and other stakeholders express their concerns — 11,371 comments, or over 33 percent of the total — received by the Education Department were facilitated by our comment portal.
PDE agrees wholeheartedly with Secretary Cardona that the aim of the grants should be “to improve the quality of American history, civics, and government education to provide more students the opportunity to learn about the rich history of our nation and build the skills needed to fully participate in civic life.”
“Thousands of Americans across the country responded to the federal government’s request for comment on this issue, and sent a clear message that this was not an appropriate use of tax dollars,” said Nicole Neily, president of Parents Defending Education. “We are gratified that the Biden Administration has responded to this feedback.”
For more information on Parents Defending Education:
