Good afternoon. And the Vice President of the institute here at the Heritage Foundation. On behalf of the president welcome to the first principle townhall series. This past year our history and founding principles have the and questioned doubted and challenged and to restore our American Heritage and to fundamentally change it that during the time of crisis the Heritage Foundation has produced the first principle townhall Webinar Series to speak to this moment offering participants the educational tools to give children the honest understanding of our history and to help them appreciate americas political and cultural achievement. President reagan stated freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction and preserving liberties requires knowledge. We are delighted you are joining us for part two of the townhall series winning freedom where we will explain how exceptional the American Revolution was in World History and my it could easily have collapsed into tyranny by the french revolution. An expert panel to discuss the importance of teaching americas founding principles and physics education coating informing the community of involved parents with the best possible roadmap to a flourishing Civil Society for all americans. Director of the center for american studies is our leading scholar and job loss. Also former associate professor of history and Kings College in new york city and author of the New York Times bestseller a hobbit a wardrobe and a great war. As we walked in doctor joe we will have an opportunity to respond later in the program. Thank you for that introduction we have a terrific program lined up for you before introduce the allstar panel we look at the Historical Perspective to remind us what we are fighting to preserve and what is under attack. Imagine a group of revolutionaries tired of tyranny ready to throw off the chains of political oppression they are willing to risk everything for free and then to absolute monarchy what they want is a republic a form of government based on we the people and so to the astonishment of the world they topple the old regime and defeat the king and his army writing a new constitution but there is no sorry in the dawn of universal bliss because the champagne starts falling and something goes terribly wrong with the revolution instead of liberty and equality and fraternity its new forms of oppression and injustice, human misery and it cracks down on free speech freedom of press and freedom of religion instead of democracy and the rule of law we get mob rule and the reign of terror. Im talking about the french revolution that began july 14 bastille day Independence Day for the french. If you are an american july 14h is the best day to dine at a french restaurant because for once they will be nice to you. Put that aside the french revolution began with a range of power and ended with the powerless to govern and ended with a man on horseback a dictator for life. There were two revolutions for freedom ladies and gentlemen the one that began in paris that collapsed into tyranny but another was launched here in philadelphia in 1776. Begin with the immortal words we hold these truths to be selfevident all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights among these are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And that governments are instituted among men with their powers on the consent of the governed and that any form of government becomes destructive it is their rights to alter or abolish it and Institute New government. Here ladies and gentlemen for the first time in history a Political Revolution to clear the National Inequality and rights of every human being universal rights that cannot be taken away because these come from the hand of god was the revolution a radical event or conservative . Most of the american colonist are from england and the ability against the crown they claim their chartered rights as englishmen there already among the freest people in the world that the protections of the magna carta that says no political leader will revoke the law that english bill of rights they have local selfgoverning assembly at the townhall and also have the writings of english philosopher john locke. Virtually all of the ideas that launch the American Revolution can be found in the two treatises of government published 1689 the concept of human equality freedom and natural rights the responsibility of government to protect these rights and the rights to revolution if government tramples our rights but the American Revolution maybe was both why did the American Revolution succeed where the french revolution failed the answer can be found in this book the americans drew strength from the teachings of the narrative arc of scripture rescuing the jews from slavery bringing them into the freedom of the Promised Land and then in the new testament the story of jesus rescuing his people from the slavery of sin and the fear of death for the American Revolution it was the freedom book next to the declaration of a constitution the bible might be called the third founding document in the American Revolution one of the 56 of the declaration as any man in america and weatherspoon personified this bond between faith and freedom that characterize the American Revolution. They claim the political inheritance from great in the ancient constitution with the support of Christian Churches but what about the elephant in the room . About the existence of slavery in the american colonies . Samuel johnson pointed out the hypocrisy many of whom owned slaves how is it we share the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes . Many colonial americans have a guilty conscience patrick here henry said he look forward to the time when the opportunity would be offered to abolish the lamentable evil to create bad opportunity because the declaration proclaims that come into existence as a sworn enemy. s days are going to be numbered. Until recently lisa know these facts Abraham Lincoln knew it he said he never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiment embodied in the declaration of independence. Yes we can. The great emancipator why did the American Revolution succeed . Because at the moment of its birth it brought together the right ideas, the right institutions what did it produce . And with the teachings of the bible there was not a robespierre among them. The washington. And then obediently and willingly what kind of men and women do this revolution produce . Abigail adams and abigail was trying to persuade her son enjoying father and friends. And these are the times in which a genius was to live. But the habits of the vigorous mind with intended with delta, difficulties and with the character of the hero. So what would you do . And the statesman is forged in the fires of the great contacts. And the war has come upon them. With a Firm Reliance on the protection of divine providence. And the sacred honor. And for human freedom in the history of the world has begun. So let me introduce our allstar panels american be on one now to join us online you the full biographies available director of the chase daily Marshall Center from the James Madison institute for policymakers educators to promote reforms to make it possible for all k12 students to obtain a high quality education. I love that idea. Vice president of ohio state board of education she and her husband launched the excel Afterschool Program and engages parents to help Elementary Students improve School Achievement and attendance thats not the lords work i dont know but it is. Nine, and a 13 based out of minneapolis welcome to this table. That anybody can answer this as well. So what brought you to the point that you decided to speak with a heads your children attend . What drag you into this discussion . We moved our kids from one school to two Catholic Schools so that wouldve been august of 2020. Grateful that they are in school all day every day. Even with masks. We move them because we started to be concerned what was being taught at the carter institution. And i think were pretty successful. And with Critical Race Theory. It started to creep into the everyday discussions of the classroom and then chapel. Things like that we decided the writing is on the wall we will move to different schools and certainly it was the right move for us. However i was also encouraged over and over again not to assume that all is well in your childs classroom and the curriculum. I have to say i was. I was under that assumption. I decided one day after reading something listening to a lecture to reach out to the heads of school to say how are you handling this information into the curriculum and i got two different answers. One was thank you for your call the best call ive gotten all day dont worry about it will never happen here. Was very interested in getting information willing to consider all planes of you and perspectives so that gave me cause for concern and i have maintained contact with them but it is our concern beyond the color of their skin. The ohio state board of education and what have you learned talking to this audience what have you learned that has encourage you about the challenges with the capacity to make a difference . I cant discount the state School Board Meeting on unconscionable appeal everyone on the 19 member board when of the largest in the nation for Critical Race Theory. I have been receiving letters from parents all over the state of ohio there is concerned with their children are being taught some of the local boards are engaging in some are not so parents hold us accountable. And then to set up that curriculum on the website so for example on the website the perception is that we supported we were clueless. So that began as policymakers as the school board to find out why. But its because there is consequences and the foundational support for education. I find a lot of them are clueless until it is too late. And with a 1618 project of Critical Race Theory et cetera so what is needed so what more do we need . Orgy push back against the instructive narratives that we really do need to be offering the ways and often times those that are advancing the narratives that are causing trouble and division often like to portray the debate as we are here to give you an honest view of history as opposed to the sugarcoated view he would get traditionally from the other side. So what we need to do is fall into the trap of letting them characterize our point of view and that percent goes in the context of embracing the founding principles and overarching values is important. And mlk junior. With this fourth of july speech a blistering critique and basically for the audience to say we embrace the ideals lets do a better job of living up to them can you say the same of the Martin Luther king i have a dream speech it declaration is a promissory note and in neither case are they attacking our foundations are suggesting america is a redeemable. But simply we have work to do and as lovers of this country we have to get about the work to live up to the ideals that we all share. Not constructive your patriotism that the narrative that americans will embrace of how they should see the country. At the risk of shameless selfpromotion. Making it available to parents and others. So to be on the board of education you have colleagues who dont agree with you so you are astounded the position you are taking and what type of arguments or discussions and those fall from the sky is in the moment . One of the things i demand of all my colleagues on the board always tell my children there are three sides your side in my site in the truth. To have a supplement even with critical race period when of the tenants is knowledge is socially constructed but thats not true. So put away science and reason so we have a simple message that every parent can embrace or hold local School Boards accountable so they need to be educated i dont know how you do that we need a message to push back. So the legal term if you are there for the future of your country you have to do what is right at any cost. Maybe we need a little more collaboration after crafting that document. And then to be a victim of cancel culture. For his part of the team im working with into the hands of parents they are the taxpayers they are the front line defense for their children. And then foundational to democracy. Part of the Critical Race Theory that its not about the republic for them by the people. Yes that is an excellent point that the actual power so it reminds me of that moment the Solidarity Movement it is turning out by the millions to see and hear him speak. And then the people in the crowd later said and we are the majority they are the minority. We have to be very careful of the word equity. What i call Critical Race Theory framework. We will come back to that point before we are done. One of the questions im sure some are wondering how do you talk to your children about this . So what is coming in what can be trusted talk to us about that. We are very honest with them. Maine on my mother was very honest with me when i was growing up about race and anything she could think of. Sometimes i would say to honest that i appreciate that now being an adult and the father of two children so we emphasize with them everybody doesnt think the way we do in fact where we live most people dont not that we encounter so encouraging them to say their opinion in a respectful way and if somebody says at school. So we are probing parents constantly asking them what did you learn in school today . What did joey say . What did they say about the protest . Both of them are mature in that way they dont want to hear anymore they tell us i got it. Back over to you. It would be a lot of interest to people in the program right now so we do a supplemental curriculum called celebrate freedom that you cited from the declaration of independence to give an understanding of that and other programs and activities in conjunction with other institutions and programs providing speakers and the like. One of the favorite things we do is the naturalization ceremony field trip every year. We take students to see a naturalization ceremony to interact with the new citizens. Before they go they have to take the quiz that is required those that want to become naturalized citizens if they could answer the questions and almost without fail the students come away with a profound respect for these individuals who care enough about becoming americans to go through the process and answer the questions. I guess in gratitude maybe but how many things we take for granted and to reflect so to ask students if there should be a right of passage like you see in religious groups like the confirmation process or the bar mitzvah process where people who are born into a community are expected to embrace the ideas and values of that community in some way. I am not advocating for that when it comes to us citizenship but there is a sense that it distinctly means to be american and that the representatives by our country. It seems to many of us the radical stuff at the College Level like uc berkeley. Back in the sixties and early seventies chanting western civilization has to go and American History has become so problematic and has been for the first time in Public Education in charlotte. Also to unpack this a little more what our audience needs to be aware of. And strategically what they could do. Period have to actively listen what is validate going on in school. Because that is an indication if you dont know what may be going on especially words like equity or democracy and the intersection now that he there are key buzzwords we had a woman at the Board Meeting this past tuesday such a compelling story so we have to be careful what we are seeing on College Campuses does not start happening pre k12. As a man of the fact matter of fact pick a topic you stand for when the schools teaching constantly with your family values. We have a question in the queue. With the 1619 project. I tell all my parents know your childrens teacher. Parents of purpose. Ask questions. And then to have the curriculum director. And to ask questions and such a good way to get them talking. And then in the Community Parents need to be educated and the elected School Boards to be held accountable. Because i can imagine you are a parent out there you can feel the same way with the silent majority and what about working with other parents quick. They dont want to speak up or cause controversy. And then to be treated by others. I volunteer a lot of my sons school. Unfortunately at my Daughters School i call it locked out because of covid there are no volunteer opportunities there. However i do stand outside. We serve lunch sometime so you can talk to other parents. And that was the best for me that then to go in the same direction serving lunch. Being present in school is much as you possibly can use well here what is coming up. Communicating your investments for the sake of your kids and the kids around them. But i can easily imagine not being a parent. And its easy to approach High School Teacher or administrator. And then you are nodding over there what you think about that . At my Daughters School that has happened to her. It is what it is. We do it anyway because thats the right thing to do. But we do have to be careful to be respectful is not about criticizing for the sake of criticizing and getting your own way. But whats right. That on this point that im unpacking a bit more the challenge that these parents face, what would you recommend . People are hungry for resources that the resources that we need to push back against the madness the way you oppose bad boxes with good books. And in your travels and in your work with you put on the table and make it available . One of the things i would do to underscore the point of speaking to encourage parents not to assume the worst of those they would be interacting with. One of the things i have found going to teacher conferences and sharing the resources we have available that many people that are teaching and the social studies department are sympathetic to the concerns to do a job of presenting history and physics in an interesting way dont assume the worst dont be naive but also dont assume the worst because you might find if you go about things in a respectful manner you have allies in the system to help advance these concerns in the appropriate manner and thats what i word offer to underscore those points earlier. Relationships matter i see the culture even those that are caring and sympathetic and then to bridge the gap between the home and the school. Remember you are the leader. I dont care what they say. The Customer Service relations means a lot to be desired. So we Value Partnership as a priority and learning and then to become suspect. I will have darrell take that up but the question is since parents have more to lose other people and the Community Need to help out. Have you seen this type of activity. Can we bring them on board to challenge what is happening any stories about that . Absolutely because im a grandmother. Its about the next generation in the community. We want to be sure we equip the children for their aspirations to challenge and prepare for future success talk to Business Leaders that have children or summer camps but the key is the community is responsible and all of us are responsible for the future of the local community the key is to get everybody the understanding to be on the same page keep the bottom line the students dont bring the politics in. Is this good for our children . You mentioned if you are a grandmother you are too young to be a grandmother i that you were a truth teller. Come on. Maybe on this point this networking with people in the community and maybe a little bit more on your and. I would say first of all its been difficult during covid to network with anybody. So that added another layer of difficulty. But given the way one school approached the ability to get involved involved i am volunteer for everything were there was no volunteer spots. Lake all my gosh dad you are always here. Why are you here . So it is Catholic Schools. So its easy to get into a conversation where the head is that and then by doing so you can understand where that particular Department Head is that. Men i would shudder to think if what my dad would do if he was involved there. I dont know i would have to leave. [laughter] and then also need to be fighting for School Choice. And to greatly empowered parents finding their local Public School resistant to their legitimate inquiry are taking students to another school it usually means that schools become more responsive. We lived in virginia before moving to florida and had far less School Choice and with the Public Schools we found here in florida. So obviously we care what everyone is taught in the classroom with Civics Education we also need to be working with the broader of real options for what the Public School is teaching. Time is wrapping up the something that hasnt been asked you really want to communicate for this audience. There are other parents that there are resources out there and i can provide the ones and i know of as well. And that is kind of the first step i cant imagine two years ago having a conversation with any School Administration with critical race area would have no idea what i was talking about. That doesnt sound right to me but i cannot articulate why. Making itself known so hope is that expectation i expect going to come out of this because we have woke citizen parents this is the inspiration i got two months ago i hear it everywhere i go. So what you dont know so we have woke citizen parents they are getting educated from everywhere they dont know evil until it confronted. I cannot improve on that thank you for the allstar panel thank you to the audi