Why Do So Many Conservatives Believe Schools Teach Liberal Values?

Recent events at my school during social justice month highlighted the growing concern among conservatives that public schools are indoctrinating their children with liberal values. For many, this perception stems from incidents where teachers praised students for involvement with democratic organizations, openly discussed LGBTQ issues, and even promoted CRT (Critical Race Theory) annually. In middle school, a semester-long social justice course featured left-wing propaganda, with teachers openly calling Republicans 'racist.'

The argument is often bolstered by social media posts from teachers who 'virtue signal' their progressive views, creating a wealth of videos and examples for the increasingly vocal conservative community. However, despite these claims, the evidence is often based on anecdotal instances and personal beliefs rather than empirical data. Teachers are expected to be neutral, imparting knowledge rather than pushing political ideologies, but when their social media posts are used to support these claims, it calls into question the integrity of the educators involved.

Exposure to Controversial Ideologies: A Concern for Many Parents

One of the primary concerns among conservatives is the exposure of children to unproven and sometimes harmful ideologies. A strong example is the accusation that teachers are trying to brainwash young children into believing they are gay or transgender, with some even advising students to keep such feelings hidden from their parents. This mirrors the behavior of child predators, raising red flags for many parents. The key issue here is that a significant portion of the so-called leftist ideology relies more on belief and personal conviction than on concrete scientific evidence.

The Role of Academia in Political Ideology

Conservatives often view academia as the primary antagonist to their political beliefs. This is partly due to the emphasis on critical thinking, a skill that challenges existing beliefs and societal structures. This fear of change is a central argument for why public schooling can be perceived as inherently liberal. The question then becomes whether the responsibility lies with the schools themselves or with the selective nature of historical narratives being taught. For example, discussing the harsh realities of slavery and systemic racism towards black Americans is not inherently anti-conservative; rather, it is a factual representation of history that can be challenging to accept.

The larger issue of competition and education

At the heart of the debate over public schooling is the fear of competition. Many conservatives argue that the lack of universal higher education and healthcare is due to the rich wanting to protect their economic advantages. By making college and healthcare inaccessible or expensive, the system inherently limits opportunities for the less privileged, ensuring a monopoly of power and resources. Defensive arguments against public schooling overlook the need for exposure to diverse ideologies and the importance of critical thinking in developing informed citizens. Accusing public schooling of indoctrination, while understandable, often sidesteps the more complex and multi-faceted issues of American society and education systems.