The image above is not just a nostalgic painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River. It symbolizes a deeper question that is currently dividing educators, lawmakers, and parents across America. Do schools have a duty to instill patriotic values through a celebration of American history, or should they prioritize critical race theory as a framework to examine systemic injustice and inequality?
This question, raised boldly in the caption “Do You Support Schools Teaching Patriotic History Over Critical Race Theory?”, is more than just a social media talking point. It represents one of the most heated educational debates of the 21st century. In this article, we dive into both sides of the issue and examine how this debate could reshape what future generations know—and feel—about their country.
What Is Patriotic History?
Patriotic history, often championed by conservative policymakers, focuses on teaching students about the greatness of America. It highlights foundational moments like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, victories in war, and achievements in science and innovation. The aim is to cultivate national pride and a unified sense of identity.
Supporters argue that students need to understand what makes America exceptional. They claim that too much emphasis on the nation’s flaws undermines civic unity and erodes trust in American institutions.
“Children should learn to love their country,” says one Virginia school board member. “We want students who understand America’s core principles of freedom and opportunity—not ones who are ashamed of their country.”
What Is Critical Race Theory?
Critical Race Theory (CRT) originated in legal studies in the 1970s and has since expanded into educational and sociological fields. CRT holds that racism is not just the result of individual bias, but is embedded in laws, policies, and systems. In practice, this means students might learn about redlining in housing, the racial wealth gap, or how the criminal justice system disproportionately affects people of color.
Advocates of CRT or its offshoots in public education argue that omitting the darker parts of U.S. history presents an incomplete and dishonest narrative. They believe confronting hard truths about race and inequality empowers students to build a more just and equitable society.
“Teaching real history doesn’t mean hating America,” says a New York City public school teacher. “It means understanding all of it so we can do better.”
The Flashpoint in Classrooms
In recent years, school districts across the country have found themselves at the center of this ideological struggle. Bills have been introduced in over 40 states either to ban or restrict how race and history are taught. Some states, like Florida and Texas, have enacted laws banning CRT or requiring the teaching of “patriotic education.”
In 2020, former President Donald Trump launched the “1776 Commission,” a counter-narrative to The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” which emphasizes the role of slavery in American history. The Commission’s report called for an education system that promotes love of country, framing the nation’s founding as a triumph of freedom and opportunity.
Supporters of the Commission argue that students are being indoctrinated with anti-American ideology. Critics say the report whitewashes history and discourages honest conversations about the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination.
What Do Parents Think?
A recent poll conducted by Pew Research shows that the divide is not just among politicians—it extends to parents too. About 55% of parents support teaching a balanced view that includes both patriotic history and the impacts of racism. However, 35% strongly favor patriotic history, believing CRT creates division and resentment.
Conversely, 10% believe CRT should be the primary lens through which American history is taught, especially in schools with diverse student populations.
Parents on both sides want a say in what their children are taught, and many are attending school board meetings and organizing grassroots campaigns to make their voices heard.
Impact on Students
So what does this debate mean for the average student?
For many, it creates confusion. In some classrooms, they are taught about Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equality, while others are exposed to modern systemic disparities without much context. In some schools, a teacher might face reprimand for using terms like “white privilege,” while in others, students read excerpts from Malcolm X.
The inconsistency in curricula means that students across America are learning vastly different versions of their national story, depending on their zip code.
Can There Be Middle Ground?
Some educators and historians argue that the debate between patriotic history and critical race theory is a false dichotomy. They believe it’s possible—and necessary—to teach both the nation’s achievements and its injustices.
“There’s room to celebrate American democracy and acknowledge the struggles that have shaped it,” says Professor Alan Reynolds, a historian at Georgetown University. “It’s not anti-American to teach about slavery, Jim Crow laws, or Japanese internment camps. In fact, it’s patriotic to examine them and strive to be better.”
Curricula that emphasize both heroism and hardship may be the best path forward. Students can learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln without ignoring the stories of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and other figures who challenged the status quo.
What’s at Stake
At the heart of this debate lies a deeper question: What kind of citizens do we want to produce?
If students are taught only a sanitized, celebratory version of history, are they truly prepared to confront the challenges of a diverse and complex nation? On the other hand, if they are only taught to see flaws and failures, do they lose a sense of national purpose and pride?
Both sides of the debate agree that education is powerful. It shapes the minds of future voters, leaders, and changemakers. That’s why this issue has become a battleground not just in schools, but in courts, legislatures, and media.
Conclusion
The debate between teaching patriotic history and critical race theory is not just about textbooks—it’s about values, identity, and the future of America. Whether we embrace one narrative, combine both, or find entirely new ways to educate, the decisions made today will echo for generations.
As parents, educators, and citizens, it is crucial that we engage in this conversation with nuance, honesty, and a shared commitment to both truth and unity.
