Virginia Approves New History Standards That Include Lessons On Patriotism, Respecting The Flag

The Virginia Board of Education approved new history standards on Thursday that include lessons on patriotism and respecting the American flag.

In a 9-0 vote, the board came to a compromise on the state’s K-12 history and social science standards following months of debate. The board will now create a curriculum and pick textbooks to accompany the guidance which teaches students the definition of patriotism and to respect the American Flag through the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

“There’s no reason that this had become as controversial as it became,” Dan Gecker, the board president, said at the meeting. “That said, I am looking forward as opposed to backward, and I’m comfortable that the standards will meet the needs of Virginia’s children.”