The renegotiation of what counts as American history

Last year, Lake Effect reported on MKE Roots - a program from Marquette University that helps Milwaukee-area teachers incorporate local history into their lesson plans. The goal is to make social studies feel more relevant to students by focusing on local history.

But earlier this summer, MKE Roots’ federal grant funding was abruptly cut, along with about 20 programs nationwide. In its place, the Trump administration is now funding civics education that commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Lake Effect’s Sam Woods revisited members of the Milwaukee Roots program to discuss how the program has adapted, what the future holds, and how the Trump administration is redefining education.