A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation last month to "expand access to civic education" with a $1 billion investment across K-12 and higher education. Will the bill foster a better culture of civility, or fuel racial and political divisions?

The Civics Secures Democracy Act seeks to expand history and civics education by funding education development for state agencies, nonprofits, colleges and research institutions. It was introduced by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) and co-sponsored by several others from both major parties. Cornyn said the bill will help schools "inspire the next generation of public servants." Some professionals are critical of the bill. National Association of Scholars President Peter Wood told RealClearPolitics (Center bias) that the bill hides "an obvious ideological agenda" about critical race theory (CRT). He pointed out how the Department of Education, which will be in charge of dispersing the funds, recently drafted a civics and history proposal that cites the controversial 1619 Project.

Differences in news coverage reflect divides over education and CRT. A report from Inside Higher Ed (Lean Left bias) said the bill "aims to help to close gaps among students across the nation." Coverage from National Review (Right bias), Washington Examiner (Lean Right bias) and other right-rated sources highlighted critics of the bill, such as Wood and conservatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who argue that it would encourage schools to advance the theory that U.S. institutions are systemically racist.