Teaching Students What it Means to be an American

American democracy faces unprecedented challenges from both ends of the political spectrum. On the right, actions to undermine the peaceful transfer of power and suggestions to suspend the Constitution pose severe risks. Meanwhile, on the left, cultural forces on campuses are creating an environment where progressive students increasingly find it acceptable to block opposing views. But why is it happening now? And what can be done about it?
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) recently released a vital framework that offers a diagnosis and a solution. The report titled “Teaching Students What It Means to Be an American” pins the decline of liberal democracy on the rise of identity politics that causes extremists on both ends of the political spectrum to erode democratic values. Report author Richard Kahlenberg, Director of the American Identity Project, offers a comprehensive solution to strengthen these values through education.