Building Citizens: Public Education and the American Idea

Public schools have long played a central role in American civic life. Throughout U.S. history, they have contributed to civic education, the development of national identity, immigrant assimilation, and workforce preparation. In recent decades, public education has also become a focal point for debates over religion in schools, curriculum standards, parental rights, and public funding for alternative educational models. This session explores the historical origins of these debates and their implications for American society and democratic participation.