Education Policy and Curriculum Battles

Virginia Del. Dan Helmer, a Democrat from Fairfax County, has pre‑filed House Bill 333 to govern how public schools may teach the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol breach, as the state’s legislative session opens. The bill does not require schools to cover Jan. 6, but if they do, it would compel them to describe it as an 'unprecedented, violent attack on United States democratic institutions, infrastructure, and representatives for the purpose of overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election.' It would also prohibit instruction that portrays Jan. 6 as a 'peaceful protest' or as justified by claims of election fraud. Helmer argues the measure is needed to block what he calls attempts by Trump and 'MAGA Republicans' to rewrite the event and to ensure Virginia students are taught that it was an attempted violent overthrow of the elected government. The proposal is likely to fuel a broader national fight, already raging on social media and in school-board battles, over whether lawmakers should be dictating specific language and interpretations when teaching politically explosive events.