N.C. high school civics: Sponsored by conservative Koch family

The Story

The state’s Department of Instruction is recommending that all high schools teach a mandatory course on the nation’s founding principles using curriculum written by The Bill of Rights Institute, bankrolled by the Koch family.

The Facts

– Charles and David Koch, commonly referred to as the Koch brothers, are active in conservative politics and finance an expansive political network. Thank them for the most recent Republican takeover.

– The state’s recommendation comes during great debate on whether the AP U.S. History curriculum is too liberal in how it explains the nation’s past with Native Americans and slaves.

The Quote

“I think the Koch brothers have demonstrated they have a strong and active partisan interest in politics. I don’t think the public school curriculum should be written from a partisan perspective.” – Harry Watson, a history professor at UNC-Chapel Hill

C5’s Take

State Superintendent Jane Atkinson says staff sought groups to help write this new founding principles curriculum, but could only find the Bill of Rights Institute. Yet teachers who already teach this subject matter say they’ve found good material from multiple sources. We’re thrilled our children’s education is being treated like a political football.

Photo: Ortega Gaines / Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published December 4, 2014 at 6:20 AM with the headline "N.C. high school civics: Sponsored by conservative Koch family."