Connecticut School District Cancels Event with Education Secretary

A school district in Connecticut has decided to cancel an event featuring President Trump’s Education Secretary, Linda McMahon. This decision followed expressed concerns from parents.

McMahon was slated to visit McKinley Elementary School as part of the “History Rocks” tour, which is a nationwide initiative tied to the administration’s celebrations for the country’s 250th anniversary. The news was reported by CT Insider.

Fairfield Public Schools informed families on Wednesday night that the event was called off after “many families” expressed they would choose not to send their children to school that day.

Superintendent Michael Testani communicated in a letter to parents, shortly after announcing McMahon’s appearance, that they had heard from numerous families voicing concern and considering keeping their kids at home. He stated, “Due to these circumstances, the Secretary of Education’s visit to Fairfield has been cancelled.”

Before the cancellation, McKinley Principal Christine Booth had reached out to parents expressing pride in offering students the “unique opportunity” of McMahon’s visit, which she described as “an unforgettable experience.”

Booth noted that the assembly would feature engaging, interactive activities designed to bring American history and civic learning to life—promising fun game show-style participation and prizes. She highlighted that this high-energy event was meant to spark curiosity and create memorable learning moments for students.

Breitbart News attempted to get a comment from Fairfield Public Schools but did not receive a timely response.

An Education Department spokesperson mentioned that celebrating the country’s history isn’t a partisan issue. She said, “We ask young students to play fun games and pose questions like, ‘When was our country founded?’ This isn’t indoctrination; it’s excitement about the story of freedom and democracy.”

The spokesperson added that those who disagree with this perspective should recognize the freedoms they enjoy, stating that schools opposing the tour may be more swayed by left-wing rhetoric than by the actual message of it. “History is amazing! This is a national celebration reminding students of history’s significance.”

The tour’s stated goal is to “recognize excellence in civics education and foster a shared understanding of the founding principles of our nation.” The Education Department shared a few sample questions that students might encounter during the assembly, including queries about the Declaration of Independence and the founding of Connecticut.

• What is the Declaration of Independence?
• On what day do Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence?
• What year did Connecticut become a state?
• Who primarily wrote the Declaration of Independence?
• What document established our United States government?

Students were given flags that changed colors based on their answers.

McMahon has faced similar backlash during her tour in other states governed by Democrats, with protests taking place outside her appearances.