Department of Education Partners with Turning Point USA for Civic Education
On Wednesday, the Department of Education announced a significant collaboration with Turning Point USA aimed at enhancing civic education throughout the country as the nation nears its 250th anniversary.
This initiative was already in motion prior to the tragic assassination of Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk, but leaders from both organizations emphasized that the effort has become even more crucial. At a press conference, they introduced the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, which consists of over 40 other organizations, including Hillsdale College and Moms for Liberty.
One spokesperson mentioned, “As we approach the Semi-Centennial in 2026, it’s becoming clear—civic knowledge and engagement, particularly among young people, are declining. We really need to put our focus here.”
Further underlining this point, McMahon cited a recent survey revealing that less than half of Gen Z express pride in being American. A study by the US Chamber of Commerce alarmingly showed that more than 70% of Americans failed a basic civic literacy quiz.
The coalition aims to provide resources to teachers, parents, homeschoolers, churches, and others to bolster civic literacy education. Their mission is to “rekindle the fire of patriotism, strengthen citizen literacy, and inspire all Americans to understand and appreciate our founding principles.”
The guiding philosophy of the Union is encapsulated in their motto: “I know America. I love America.”
At the conference, Erica Donald, chair of the AFPI Center for Educational Opportunities, emphasized the importance of students understanding the true history of the country. She stated, “If our students genuinely grasped the U.S. Constitution, they wouldn’t condone violence to silence opposing viewpoints.”
Interestingly, just a day prior to Kirk’s assassination, a report from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression revealed that roughly one-third of university students view violence as an acceptable means to disrupt speeches they disagree with.
