The Anchorage School District in Alaska admitted it made a “mistake” by adding a disclaimer stating it does not endorse materials containing the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. This sparked confusion and outrage among parents and the Alaska Attorney General. Karen Waldron, a parent, expressed frustration after her daughter brought the pamphlet home, questioning why the school would distance itself from foundational American documents. The district has acknowledged the error, calling it a mistake in processing the materials through a system that adds such disclaimers, and promised to take corrective action. The Alaska Attorney General criticized the decision, emphasizing the importance of teaching students about the nation’s founding documents without misleading statements. Following the backlash and public spotlight on the flyer, the spokesperson from the Anchorage School District assured that the founding documents are taught in every school and reflect the values they want every student to understand.
Additionally, a parent in Anchorage was stunned to find the sticker after her daughter brought the pamphlet home, which was handed out to students in class. The parent noted that these are not controversial documents but the foundation of the country. The school district spokesperson, M.J. Thim, stated that the disclaimers were a mistake and that the flyers shouldn’t have been processed through that system. The district is reviewing the process to ensure it doesn’t happen again. The Alaska Attorney General also weighed in on the disclaimer, calling the school district’s actions “deeply concerning” and emphasizing the importance of teaching students about the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. He noted that the stickers only invite confusion about these foundational documents. The district has since taken ownership, apologized, and promised corrective action.
The flyer was produced by Hillsdale College, as indicated on the back of the pamphlet, which also displayed the disclaimer from the Anchorage School, further raising concerns about the district’s intent. While Hillsdale College did not respond to a request for comment, the school district has assured that the documents are taught in every school and reflect the values they want every student to understand. The incident has sparked broader discussions about educational transparency and the appropriate messaging around foundational American documents in schools.