While some have praised the recent changes to Virginia’s social studies history standards, the state Board of Education has largely received opposition to the January draft standards, which are under scrutiny from progressive organizations and academic groups.
After the newly-elected board members appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin questioned the length of the initial 400-page “collaborative” social studies standards draft released in August (pdf), the Virginia Department of Education began a revision process that resulted in a second draft being released in November and finally a third draft presented in January.
While many conservatives praised the January draft, progressive professional groups criticized the document, saying that it does not reflect the state’s diverse voices and instead glorified America’s “racist” history, calling America’s very character into question….