California school’s US 250th birthday celebration sparks furious parent backlash

A Southern California middle school assembly celebrating the upcoming US 250th birthday sparked furious backlash from left-wing parents and activists who accused organizers of bringing conservative politics into the classroom.

The event, dubbed “History Rocks 250,” was held this week at Canyon Hills Junior High School in Chino Hills and featured patriotic displays, student performances, and speeches focused on American history and civic pride.

The United States will celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026 — marking 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

But before students even walked through the doors, protesters gathered outside the campus holding signs reading, “No politics in school,” while some parents reportedly kept their children home over concerns about the conservative groups tied to the event, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.

The uproar centered largely on the assembly’s links to conservative organizations Turning Point USA and the Heritage Foundation.

“I’m concerned about the views of Turning Point USA and the Heritage Foundation, which produced Project 2025,” Chino Hills grandparent Debra Esquivel said while criticizing the event.

Turning Point USA was founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last year during an event hosted by the organization at a college campus in Utah.

Despite the controversy, the assembly moved ahead with patriotic themes woven throughout the program.

Students and faculty opened the gathering with the Pledge of Allegiance before the school choir performed the national anthem.

Sonja Shaw, president of the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education, addressed the crowd and was met with scattered boos from some audience members as she walked onstage.

“It’s OK. I heard,” Shaw said after attendees jeered her appearance.

The program also included remarks from Katharine Gorka, who was introduced as a senior adviser for civic education at the U.S. Department of Education and a former official in President Donald Trump’s first administration.

“We are the most welcoming country on earth, and I love that about this country,” Gorka told students.

Students played a major role in the presentation, serving as emcees, participating in trivia contests and discussing milestones in American history.

One student moderator quizzed classmates by asking: “Which war left Britain in debt and causing higher taxes on the colonies?”

The assembly wrapped with speeches from Canyon Hills students reflecting on America’s history and what they described as the opportunities the country offers immigrants and families seeking freedom.

“What makes America special is that for generations families all over the world have come here, searching for freedom, opportunity and the chance to build a better life,” one student said during the closing remarks.

School officials said the campus hosted two separate assemblies lasting about 45 minutes each to accommodate students.

Afterward, Shaw blasted what she described as misinformation surrounding the event and said she was disappointed some families chose not to send their children to school.

“I feel bad their kids missed school, that’s a whole day of instruction time. It was an interaction. Obviously every lie that was put out before the event took place did some damage,” Shaw said.

The clash underscores growing political tensions inside California schools, where debates over patriotism, curriculum and civic education have become major flashpoints between conservative and progressive parents.

Supporters argued the event was simply intended to celebrate American history ahead of the country’s 250th birthday next year and encourage civic engagement among students.

But critics said the involvement of right-leaning organizations blurred the line between education and politics.

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