Schools and America’s 250th: Patriotism, Pluralism, and Civic Education | Askwith Education Forum
Longfellow Hall, 13 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138
Thu., Apr. 9, 2026, 5:30 – 7 p.m. 
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As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, questions about democracy, belonging, and civic responsibility are taking on renewed urgency. What role should schools play in preparing young people to engage thoughtfully with the nation’s history, its pluralism, and its democratic ideals, especially amid polarization and deep disagreement?
This Askwith Education Forum convenes scholars and practitioners for a timely national conversation on civic education and dialogue across differences, exploring how schools can foster informed patriotism, democratic participation, and mutual understanding in a complex civic landscape.
Moderator: Eric Soto-Shed, Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Speakers include:
- Danielle Allen, James Bryant Conant University Professor, Harvard University; Director, Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation
- Aimee Rogstad Guidera, Residential Fellow Spring 2026, Institute of Politics, Harvard Kennedy School; former Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia.
Type of Event: Community Programming, Discussion, Diversity & Equity, Forum, Lecture
Topic: Equity and Access, Leadership, Learning, Policy, Schools, Teaching
Program/Department: Askwith Forum
Who can attend?: Alumni, Faculty, General Public, Harvard Community, Staff, Students
Building/Room: Askwith Hall
Contact Name: Harvard Graduate School of Education
Contact Email: [email protected]
Sponsoring Organization/Department: Askwith Education Forums
Registration Required: Yes
Admission Fee: Free and open to the public
RSVP Required: Yes
Featured Event: Askwith Education Forums
Gazette Classification: America 250, Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Ethics, Lecture
More info: calendar.gse.harvard.edu…