ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concept of liberal “neutrality” as the context for a discussion of the role that public schools play in providing civic education. The ideology of Christian Nationalism is identified as a threat to liberal democracy and public schools because it exploits the “neutrality” of the liberal state. Since proponents of Christian Nationalism have abandoned pluralism and the concept of “neutrality,” those who wish to preserve the American republic must decide how to respond. It is vital that defenders of American democracy recognize the role that public schools and civic education play in the preservation of liberal democracy and a democratic way of life. While a compelling case can be made that Christian Nationalism is the common source of the recent attacks on the civic mission of public schools, political theory offers a framework for understanding the threat and identifying solutions to the civic crisis currently facing the United States.
