President vows patriotic education
Trump to establish panel to counter ‘indoctrination’
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump marked the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Constitution on Thursday.
He argued that America’s founding “set in motion the unstoppable chain of events that abolished slavery, secured civil rights, defeated communism and fascism and built the most fair, equal and prosperous nation in human history.”
The president denounced Democrats, the media and others whom he accused of trying to indoctrinate schoolchildren and shame their parents’ “whiteness.”
“For many years now, the radicals have mistaken Americans’ silence for weakness. But they are wrong,” Trump said. “There is no more powerful force than a parent’s love for their children — and patriotic moms and dads are going to demand that their children are no longer fed hateful lies about this country.”
Trump has already cracked down on “critical race theory” training sessions in federal agencies.
The president said Thursday he will soon sign an order to establish a commission to promote patriotic education dubbed the 1776 Commission.
The panel, he said, would be tasked with encouraging educators to teach students “about the miracle of American history” and plan for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The move is a response to The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” which highlights the long-term consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans.
The project evolved from a Pultizer Prize-winning essay and, with help from the Pulitzer Center, educational materials were developed to enhance the knowledge about slavery, according to the Times.
“American parents are not going to accept indoctrination in our schools, cancel culture at work or the repression of traditional faith, culture and values in the public square,” Trump said. “Not anymore.”