Is Public Education Failing Our Children? A Look at Alex Newman’s Indoctrinating Our Children to Death

 Is Public Education Failing Our Children? A Look at Alex Newman’s Indoctrinating Our Children to Death

Education has always been a battleground for ideas, shaping not just young minds but the future of society. In recent years, debates over school curricula, parental rights, and ideological influences have intensified. Alex Newman’s book, Indoctrinating Our Children to Death: Government Schools’ War on Faith, Family, & Freedom – And How to Stop It, adds to this debate by arguing that public schools are no longer institutions of learning but centers of ideological indoctrination.

The Core Argument of the Book

Newman, an investigative journalist and education reform advocate, presents a compelling case that the U.S. education system has shifted away from its original mission of academic excellence and intellectual development. Instead, he contends that it has been repurposed to shape children’s worldviews in ways that undermine faith, family, and personal freedoms.

1. A System Designed for Control, Not Learning

Newman traces the roots of modern education to the influence of figures like John Dewey, a key architect of the public school system. Dewey and other progressive thinkers, he argues, saw education not just as a way to teach literacy and math but as a means of shaping society’s values. Over time, Newman claims, this has led to an education system that prioritizes ideological conformity over critical thinking.

2. The War on Faith and Family

One of the book’s central arguments is that public schools actively discourage religious belief and traditional family structures. Newman provides examples of how curricula promote secular humanism while marginalizing religious perspectives. He also highlights how schools introduce topics like gender identity and sexual orientation without parental consent, leading many parents to feel that their rights over their children's education are being eroded.

3. Ideological Bias in the Classroom

From history to social studies, Newman argues that many subjects are taught with a particular ideological slant. He criticizes the rise of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and what he sees as a rewriting of American history to emphasize oppression and systemic racism rather than progress and shared values. He also takes issue with the way climate change and globalism are framed in schools, believing they push political narratives rather than presenting balanced perspectives.

4. What’s the Solution?

Newman doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he offers solutions. He strongly advocates for:

School Choice: Policies that allow parents to direct funding toward private or charter schools that align with their values.

Homeschooling: A growing movement that gives parents complete control over their children's education.

Alternative Education Models: Classical education, religious schooling, and independent learning approaches as ways to restore rigorous academics and moral education.

Why This Book Matters Today

The concerns Newman raises aren’t theoretical—they’re reflected in ongoing national debates about education.

Parental Rights vs. Institutional Authority – Across the U.S., parents are pushing back against school boards, demanding more transparency about what’s being taught. Laws are being proposed to give parents more control over curriculum decisions.

The Decline in Academic Performance – Standardized test scores in math and reading have dropped in recent years. Some critics argue that schools are focusing too much on social issues rather than core academic subjects.

The Rise of Alternative Education – Homeschooling has surged, especially post-pandemic, as more families seek to escape what they see as failing public schools. Meanwhile, school choice programs are gaining political traction.

Who Should Read This Book?

If you’re a parent concerned about the direction of public education, a homeschool advocate, or someone interested in how politics and education intersect, Indoctrinating Our Children to Death is a must-read. Whether or not you agree with all of Newman’s points, the book offers a thought-provoking perspective on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

Final Thoughts

Education is more than just textbooks and tests—it shapes the values and perspectives of the next generation. Whether you believe Newman’s claims or not, one thing is clear: the debate over what children should learn in school isn’t going away anytime soon. As parents, educators, and policymakers continue to wrestle with these questions, books like this serve as an important part of the conversation.

Would you consider reading Indoctrinating Our Children to Death? What are your thoughts on the current state of education? Let’s continue the discussion in the comments below!