Mark Hlavacik

Mark Hlavacik, assistant professor at Texas A&M who studies public arguments about schools, discusses how culture-war conflicts have reshaped U.S. education since the 1970s. He outlines five vivid case studies, examines high-profile controversies like the National History Standards and the 1619 Project, and considers when public fights help or harm schooling. He also offers tips for interpreting viral education debates.

Mark Hlavacik, assistant professor at Texas A&M and author of Willing Warriors, studies public arguments about schooling. He traces how culture wars reshaped education from the 1970s to today. Short, vivid case studies reveal how exposés, viral classroom panics, and high-profile interventions drive heated curriculum battles. He also explores when conflict can spur better public debate and how to read education controversies critically.

Mark Hlavacik, assistant professor of communication and journalism at Texas A&M and author of Willing Warriors, traces how culture-war fights have reshaped US schooling since the 1970s. He walks through vivid controversies, from Lynn Cheney and national standards to debates over historical curricula. The conversation spotlights rhetoric, public spectacles, and when conflict helps or hinders education.