Classical Education Is Human and American, Not Partisan

Is education Republican or Democrat, conservative or progressive? In a rightly ordered system, it should be neither. Instead, education in our country should be human and American. It should teach us the elements of human nature and the prospects for human achievement. It should instruct students about America’s history and its ideals.

But we don’t see education this way. Instead, many view schooling as part of a partisan and culture war that consumes so much of our public discourse. Some on the political right see our public-school system as a Democratic or progressive indoctrination project. Swaths of the Left see alternative forms of education, including homeschooling and charter and private schools, as inculcating Republican or conservative ideals.

About the Author

Adam M. Carrington

Adam M. Carrington is an associate professor of politics at Hillsdale College.

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Is education Republican or Democrat, conservative or progressive? In a rightly ordered system, it should be neither. Instead, education in our country should be human and American. It should teach us the elements of human nature and the prospects for human achievement. It should instruct students about America’s history and its ideals.

But we don’t see education this way. Instead, many view schooling as part of a partisan and culture war that consumes so much of our public discourse. Some on the political right see our public-school system as a Democratic or progressive indoctrination project. Swaths of the Left see alternative forms of education, including homeschooling and charter and private schools, as inculcating Republican or conservative ideals.