By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's administration said on Wednesday it will prioritize giving grant money to programs that focus on "patriotic education," which critics say could undermine acknowledgement of critical phases of American history.
KEY QUOTES
"Patriotic education presents American history in a way that is accurate, honest, and inspiring," the Education Department said in a statement.
"To truly understand American values, the tireless work it has taken to
live up to them, and this country's exceptional place in world history is the best way to inspire an informed patriotism and love of country."
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Civil rights advocates have been critical of recent actions by the Trump administration around education that they say curtail free speech and undermine critical parts of U.S. history through attempts to revamp museums and public spaces and pressure educational institutions.
The White House said in August that Trump signed an executive order to tighten federal grant approvals, with grant award decisions to now undergo evaluation by Trump's political appointees.
The Education Department said on Wednesday it was launching a civics education coalition that included over 40 partner groups aligned with Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement.
CONTEXT
Trump suggested last month he will pressure the Smithsonian Institution - a premier museum, education and research complex for U.S. history and culture - just like he has pressured universities by threatening to cut federal funding.
In a social media post on August 19, Trump complained about what he called excessive focus on "how bad Slavery was." The U.S. Interior Department said on Tuesday all interpretive signage in national parks was under review.
Trump has accused institutions of spreading "anti-American ideology."
He has threatened federal funding cuts for educational institutions over pro-Palestinian protests against U.S. ally Israel's war in Gaza, transgender policies, climate initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
