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McMahon Brings 'History Rocks!' Civics Tour to Chicago as Students Opt Out and Protesters Gather

The civics push faces questions over neutrality because it is backed by more than 40 conservative organizations.

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U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon heads into a news conference at Chicago Hope Academy on Feb. 5, 2026, in Chicago. McMahon and administration officials are visiting schools in 50 states to promote their "History Rocks!" initiative. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • About 150 students attended a media-closed assembly at Chicago Hope Academy, while roughly half the student body chose not to participate, the principal said.
  • Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the tour as totally nonpartisan and said it aims to make history engaging without teaching curriculum.
  • The nationwide initiative marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with sponsors including Turning Point USA, the America First Policy Institute and the Heritage Foundation.
  • A planned stop in Fairfield, Connecticut was canceled after parent backlash, and demonstrators gathered Thursday outside Genoa-Kingston High School ahead of another event.
  • The visit unfolded as the department’s broader shifts drew scrutiny, including staff reductions and an OCR investigation into Chicago Public Schools that preceded the withdrawal of an $8 million grant.