Did you see the recent mailer by the SYC Conservatives? It was paid for by the 1776 PAC. If you’ve never heard of them, here’s why you should care.
All of the current SYC Conservative candidates are endorsed by the 1776 Project PAC—a national political action committee, not a local organization. The 1776 Project PAC targets school board races across the country, backing candidates who say they oppose “political indoctrination” and support “parental rights” and “transparency.” But in reality, communities where 1776-endorsed boards have taken control have seen divisive and harmful outcomes that hurt students, teachers, and taxpayers.
Here’s what’s happened elsewhere:
◾Book bans and censorship: Thousands of titles—especially books about race or LGBTQ people—have been challenged or removed once “content restriction” policies were adopted. (PEN America)
◾Politicized history curricula: Boards have replaced established social studies programs with “patriotic” versions based on the Trump-era 1776 Commission or Hillsdale College’s 1776 Curriculum—both criticized by historians as inaccurate and ideologically driven. (American Historical Association)
◾Classroom restrictions: Teachers have faced limits on what they can display or discuss, creating fear and confusion and chilling open discussion. (WHYY, 6abc Philadelphia)
◾Legal and financial fallout: Districts like Central Bucks have faced lawsuits and investigations over discrimination and censorship—draining taxpayer funds and dividing communities. (ACLU)
If all nine seats on our board go to candidates endorsed by the 1776 Project PAC, we risk importing those same national culture-war battles right into our own classrooms. We believe that:
◾Our schools should be guided by educators and community values, not a national political PAC.
◾Our students deserve fact-based learning, not political agendas.
◾Our community deserves balanced leadership, not one-party control.
Vote Nov 4 for independent voices who will put kids and learning first—not politics.