A Visit That's Stirring Up Trouble

A big event is happening at Cedar Drive Middle School in Colts Neck. Linda McMahon, the U. S. Secretary of Education, is dropping by. She's part of a nationwide tour called "History Rocks! " This tour is all about teaching kids the importance of the Declaration of Independence. It's the 250th anniversary, after all. But not everyone is happy about this visit. Some parents and education advocates are raising their eyebrows. Why? Because the tour is teaming up with some conservative groups. Names like Turning Point USA, Moms for Liberty, and Hillsdale College are involved. These groups have specific views on politics and religion. And that's making some people nervous. One parent, who wants to stay anonymous, is so worried that he's keeping his kid home on the day of the event. He's not okay with groups like Turning Point USA and Hillsdale College being part of a government-sponsored function. He's afraid his daughter might hear things that make her uncomfortable. Things that might be racist or homophobic. Michael Gottesman, who heads the New Jersey Public Education Coalition, shares these concerns. He's keeping an eye on what's being taught. If he sees anything that breaks federal or state laws, he's ready to report it. The tour's organizers say they want to bring history and civics lessons to schools. They believe in teaching American principles. But critics argue that public schools should stay neutral. They don't want specific political or religious agendas shaping what kids learn. McMahon's visit comes right after the school adopted a "Parental Bill of Rights" policy. This policy lets parents know if their kids change their pronouns or gender identity at school. It also lets parents opt out of certain educations, like health or sex education. Some people think this policy could hurt LGBTQ+ kids. Gottesman questions if the school notified parents enough about McMahon's visit. He thinks they should have given more notice. After all, the school talks a lot about transparency.