Join the American Philosophical Society on March 25 to welcome Johnathan Zimmerman in discussion of his new release, Schooling Citizens.
Schooling Citizens presents a collection of essays from the past several decades by distinguished historian of education Jonathan Zimmerman, addressing divisive issues from the influence of religion in public schools to the politically charged battles between the Trump administration and the universities. These essays are framed by a new preface and introductions to the book’s two sections concerning K–12 education and higher education. Throughout, Zimmerman contends there is hope that education can help save our democracy by embracing and not avoiding the differences in our classrooms, and above all by resisting every effort—by citizens, politicians, or educators—to restrict what we say or think. Zimmerman argues that we have enough agreement on the essentials of education to move beyond our disagreements if we hold true to our founding ideal of free and open exchange. Schooling Citizens makes the case that our schools and universities can help save democracy, if we can summon the will—and the courage—to seize the opportunity.
This public lecture will take place in-person in APS's Benjamin Franklin Hall from 6:00–7:00 p.m. ET. To tune in virtually, join the livestream on the APS YouTube Channel. Please register for a free ticket to reserve your spot.
Jonathan Zimmerman is Professor of History of Education and the Berkowitz Professor in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of Whose America? Culture Wars in the Public Schools and eight other books. He is also a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer.