Debate Erupts in N.J. School Over Civics Program Tied to Turning Point USA
Parents are outraged that many conservative groups are involved in a Colts Neck Cedar Drive Middle School civics event. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who just launched a 50-state project to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, leads a statewide civics tour on Friday.
District families were informed that McMahon will attend a schoolwide assembly, classroom visits, and a roundtable discussion with selected Colts Neck students, board members, teachers, and administrators. District officials claimed the tour would promote civic engagement and historical learning.
Parents say the event isn’t neutral.
Conservative groups like Turning Point USA, Moms for Liberty, America First Policy Institute, Hillsdale College, and America 250 Civics Education Coalition endorse “History Rocks! Many families worried about political propaganda in public schools after these organizations’ involvement.
The Colts Neck petition urges district officials to postpone the program because public schools should be ideologically neutral. Many parents were astonished that political and religious groups could directly contact students.
Father who requested anonymity to avoid resentment claimed he will keep his child home on visit day. Since he doesn’t want his daughter exposed to politics, he was surprised that Turning Point USA and Hillsdale College were in a school-hosted presentation.
Other parents worried. Colts Neck resident Alicia Raia-Hawrylak worries about the event’s long-term impact on the curriculum and younger students if new materials or messaging reach them without parental input. She said families need factual, inclusive, and balanced civic education, not selective history.
Some educators questioned if parents were notified enough. The district informed families four days before the event, prompting anger from community members who wanted more transparency.
Garden State Equality and other local advocacy groups want the district to cancel the visit. Conservative and religious groups in public schools may make LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe or excluded. The group questioned the superintendent’s nonpartisan proposal claim.
Timing of the visit is a topic. LGBTQ+ groups reject Colts Neck’s “Parental Bill of Rights,” which could hurt transgender kids. The policy gives parents more control over their child’s identification, health, and education.
America 250 proponents believe the trip will increase youth civic literacy and patriotism. Coalition organizers say many public schools have abandoned civic principles and want to return to an American curriculum.
Many families don’t know what students will see at the event. Some argue the district should have consulted parents before organizing the program, while others worry that even modest ideological preaching could damage young learners.
Colts Neck’s discussion intensifies as the visit approaches, highlighting national conflicts over civics education, school transparency, and political groups in public schools.
