HB 333: Public schools; Instruction on January 6 Insurrection
🔴 THREAT LEVEL: HIGH
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: HB 333
Bill Patron: Del. Dan I. Helmer
Issue Area: Education / Government Mandate
Who It Will Impact: Public School Teachers and Students
QUICK SUMMARY
HB 333 regulates how Virginia public schools may teach about the events of January 6, 2021. If schools choose to offer instruction on the topic, the bill mandates a single narrative, and prohibits alternative descriptions.
RALLY ANALYSIS
The bill places state government in charge of historical interpretation, not educators or parents.
It limits classroom discussion by banning certain viewpoints, even when presented for analysis or debate.
This legislation moves beyond education and into political messaging, using public schools to enforce an approved narrative.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- One-sided instruction: Forces teachers to present only one interpretation of a complex national event
- Censorship in classrooms: Prohibits discussion of alternative views, undermining critical thinking
- Government overreach: Expands state control over local school boards and educators
- Politicizes education: Turns classrooms into platforms for ideological instruction rather than learning
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ OPPOSE
Rally Virginia opposes HB 333 because it undermines academic freedom, silences open discussion, and politicizes public education. Bottom line: Schools should teach students how to think — not what to think.
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
