Young Americans Deserve Real History, Not Political Indoctrination

Former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker argues that students should be exposed to objective American history, not just the negatives about the Founders.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In this opinion piece, former Wisconsin governor Scott Walker argues that young Americans are being politically indoctrinated in schools and universities, leading to declining pride in the country. He says students should be taught the positive contributions of the Founders as well as key historical documents like the Declaration of Independence, rather than just the negatives. Walker believes this would lead to more young people being proud of America and its founding principles.

Why it matters

Walker's op-ed touches on the ongoing debate over how American history is taught in schools, with some arguing that the curriculum focuses too much on the country's flaws and not enough on its accomplishments. This issue has become increasingly politicized, with conservatives pushing for a more patriotic, 'America-first' approach to history education.

The details

Walker cites examples of young American historical figures like James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison who played key roles in the founding of the country despite being quite young. He argues that defending liberty is not just for the old, but something the youth can and should engage in as well. Walker also criticizes efforts by some professors to resist requirements for students to study American history and government, including reading foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence.

  • On July 4, 1776, James Monroe was 18 years old.
  • Alexander Hamilton was about 21 years old when he served as George Washington's right-hand man.
  • James Madison was 25 when he served as the primary author of the Constitution.
  • Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he wrote the Declaration of Independence.

The players

James Monroe

An 18-year-old who went on to glory in the Continental Army and later became the fifth president of the United States.

Alexander Hamilton

About 21 years old when he served as Gen. George Washington's right-hand man and became the first secretary of the Treasury.

James Madison

25 years old when he served as the primary author of the Constitution and later became the fourth president.

Thomas Jefferson

33 years old when he wrote the Declaration of Independence and later served as president.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Nearly 700 tenured professors at this university signed a letter protesting proposed rules that would require every student in the state to take a course in American history and government, including the reading of key documents.

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What they’re saying

“Defending liberty isn't easy, but it is worth the risk. Our Founders risked their lives, fortunes and sacred honor for the freedoms we hold dear today.”

— Scott Walker, Former Governor of Wisconsin (The Washington Times)

“President Reagan warned us about this during his final address from the Oval Office in 1989. He challenged us to reengage in American history and share civic rituals.”

— Scott Walker, Former Governor of Wisconsin (The Washington Times)

The takeaway

This op-ed highlights the ongoing debate over how American history is taught in schools, with conservatives arguing that students are being politically indoctrinated and not exposed to the full, objective history of the country and its founding principles. The author believes this is leading to declining pride in America, especially among young people, and calls for a renewed focus on teaching the positive contributions of the Founders alongside the negatives.