Education Secretary Visits Chicago Private School Amid Controversy

Linda McMahon's 'History Rocks!' tour draws criticism for partnering with conservative groups

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited a private Christian high school in Chicago as part of her nationwide 'History Rocks!' tour promoting civics education. The visit was met with controversy, as some students and parents felt the school was being used to promote a political agenda. About half the students did not attend the assembly with McMahon, which the school's principal said was 'perfectly fine' with him.

Why it matters

McMahon's Education Department has made several controversial moves, including stripping funding from programs that support marginalized students. The 'History Rocks!' tour has drawn criticism for partnering with conservative organizations, raising concerns about the inclusivity and accuracy of the history and civics education being promoted.

The details

McMahon visited Chicago Hope Academy, a private school that serves mostly Black and Latino students, as part of her 'History Rocks!' tour. The principal, Ike Muzikowski, held town halls with students before the visit to address their concerns. While some students and parents felt the school was being used for political purposes, Muzikowski saw it as an opportunity for students to learn from and listen to people with whom they do not agree.

  • On Thursday, February 6, 2026, McMahon visited Chicago Hope Academy.
  • After the Chicago Hope Academy event, McMahon went to Genoa-Kingston High School in northern Illinois, where her visit drew about 50 protesters.

The players

Linda McMahon

The U.S. Education Secretary who is leading the 'History Rocks!' tour across the country.

Ike Muzikowski

The principal of Chicago Hope Academy, a private Christian high school that serves mostly Black and Latino students.

Erika Kirk

The widow of Charlie Kirk, who co-founded the campus activism group Turning Point USA.

Turning Point USA

A conservative campus activism group that is one of the 40 organizations partnering with the Education Department on the 'History Rocks!' tour.

Heritage Foundation

A conservative think tank that is also partnering with the Education Department on the 'History Rocks!' tour.

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What they’re saying

“Some disagree with these policies and approaches and feel like they are harmful to the community at large.”

— Ike Muzikowski, Principal, Chicago Hope Academy (wbez.org)

“It's totally non-partisan. It is just absolutely about civics.”

— Linda McMahon (wbez.org)

What’s next

The Education Department's 'History Rocks!' tour will continue to make stops across the country, with more controversy expected as it partners with conservative organizations.

The takeaway

The visit to Chicago Hope Academy highlights the ongoing debate over the role of politics in education, as the Education Secretary's tour aims to promote a particular vision of American history and civics that has drawn criticism for its perceived partisan leanings.