1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Executive Order titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," specifically Section 2, item (d) regarding "Patriotic education." While patriotism is a noble and commendable value, the definition of patriotic education provided in this Executive Order contradicts the stated intent of the order itself, which is to prevent students from accepting ideologies without question or critical examination, as outlined in Section 1. True patriotism necessitates an honest and critical examination of one's country. It is not simply a blind allegiance to a prescribed narrative but a thoughtful engagement with both the rights and wrongs that have shaped our nation. A comprehensive understanding of history—including both our triumphs and our failings—equips students with the knowledge they need to contribute meaningfully to the future of the country. To be patriotic is to take pride in making our nation better tomorrow than it was yesterday. Restricting what can be taught about our country limits a student’s ability to question and understand their role in shaping our collective future. If we genuinely wish to instill a deep and lasting patriotism in our students, we must allow them to explore, analyze, and critically engage with history in its entirety. Shielding them from difficult truths does not foster love of country; rather, it stifles intellectual growth and civic responsibility. I urge you to oppose the implementation of Section 2, item (d) of this Executive Order and to advocate for an education system that encourages students to think critically about their country. By doing so, we prepare them to be informed and engaged citizens who will work tirelessly to ensure the greatness of our nation for generations to come. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and to seeing Congress take action in support of a truly comprehensive and critical education for our students.