U.S. Department of Education Proposes ‘Patriotic Education’ Priority, Highlighting American History and Western Civilization

Department Unveils New Educational Priority

The U.S. Department of Education has put forth a proposed new priority and associated definitions aimed at bolstering “patriotic education” within federally funded discretionary grant programs. Published in the Federal Register on September 17, 2025, the initiative, championed by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, seeks to cultivate a deeper sense of citizenship competency and informed patriotism among American students.

Core Aims: Cultivating Citizenship and Patriotism

The central objective of this proposed priority is to ensure the transmission of a shared understanding of American political, economic, intellectual, and cultural history to students. The initiative emphasizes the importance of national symbols, venerated heroes, and situating American traditions within the broader historical and philosophical context of Western Civilization. The overarching goal is to foster an informed citizenry that comprehends its rights and responsibilities, thereby contributing to the ongoing development of a “more perfect Union”.

Foundational Elements: History, Symbols, and Western Civilization

A key component of the proposed priority involves a focus on the foundational narratives that shape American identity. This includes an emphasis on understanding the nation’s founding principles, its historical development, and the values that underpin its democratic experiment. The explicit mention of “Western Civilization” situates American history within a recognized continuum of thought and development that scholars and policymakers have long debated. Discussions around Western Civilization courses in educational settings often highlight their origins in classical antiquity and their role in shaping modern ideals of liberty and governance.

The Role of Civil Society: Intermediary Institutions

The proposal also underscores the critical function of intermediary institutions within the American system. These include a wide array of entities such as companies, places of worship, schools, fraternal organizations, and civic associations. The initiative posits that voluntary individual actions, channeled through these diverse institutions of civil society, are vital for the effective operation of the American economic, social, and political landscape. This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of individual civic engagement and the broader societal structures that support democratic life.

Broader Context: Alignment with Administration’s Agenda

This “Patriotic Education” priority is presented as an augmentation to other supplemental priorities recently proposed or finalized by the Department. These include initiatives focused on evidence-based literacy, expanding educational choice, returning educational authority to the states, and artificial intelligence. The proposal aligns with broader policy directions advocated by Secretary McMahon and the current administration, which emphasize a return to “basics,” parental empowerment, and a critique of what are termed “divisive ideologies” in education. Previous executive orders have also signaled a commitment to promoting “patriotic education” and reestablishing bodies like the 1776 Commission, aiming to instill national pride and a specific historical perspective.

Public Comment Period Opens

The Department of Education is inviting public comment on this proposed priority and its accompanying definitions. Interested parties have until October 17, 2025, to submit their feedback through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov. The publication of this proposal marks a significant step in the administration’s efforts to shape educational priorities at the federal level, influencing the direction of discretionary grant funding across various educational programs nationwide. This news follows recent policy discussions and actions concerning American history, civics education, and the role of Western Civilization in academic curricula.