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About 75% of Americans say they believe democracy is the best form of government. Only 16% say they feel comfortable talking about politics with everyone.
In response to the findings, poll director Eric Plutzer, Ph.D. stated, “Half of all Americans want schools to go beyond the 19th century and provide children with an opportunity to learn about race and society today, while the other half is clearly uncomfortable with that. The 50-50 split helps explain why these issues are so divisive in school districts across the nation.”
The McCourtney Institute's Mood of the Nation poll was conducted last month and covered people's thoughts on topics ranging from classroom discussions to a teen's preferred pronouns to books with gay, lesbian or bisexual characters.
Michael Berkman (Ph.D., Indiana University) is a professor in the Department of Political Science and the director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy. Berkman’s research focuses on American politics, particularly American state politics and policy. His most recent research, funded by the National Science Foundation, focuses on state Transitional Aid to Needy Families (TANF) programs. Along with Eric Plutzer, Berkman has published two books on state education policy: Evolution, Creationism and the Battle to Control America’s Classrooms (Cambridge University Press) and Ten Thousand De...