by Rick B. Larsen and W. Brad Wilcox | Mar 4, 2024
As the family goes, so goes the state. Utah gets this Written by Originally published in the Deseret News. When it comes to realizing the nation’s most important ideals — from the American dream to the “pursuit of happiness” — Utah has a well-deserved reputation for...
by Rick B. Larsen | Aug 8, 2023
America is almost 250 years old. Will we see celebrations or a funeral wake? Written by Rick B. Larsen Originally published in Deseret News. In Utah, July 4 and 24 create what is essentially — if unintentionally — a monthlong celebration of freedom, heritage and...
by Rick B. Larsen | Feb 7, 2022
Polarization prevents healthy debate and learning. Can we change this? Written by Rick B. Larsen Originally published by Deseret News. When issues of shared importance — like race, equality, immigration, climate change and crime — most always break along party...
by Rick B. Larsen | Oct 20, 2021
Why complete transparency is needed in deciding what to teach in the classroom Written by Rick B. Larsen Originally published by Deseret News. Public policy debates always involve competing views among diverse stakeholders. As the 2022 legislative session...
by Rick B. Larsen | Sep 10, 2021
History, memory and the importance of reflecting on 9/11 Written by Rick B. Larsen A debate among historians has to do with history vs. memory. The anniversary of historically significant events brings renewed relevance to this academic but important...
by Rick B. Larsen | Aug 5, 2021
Sutherland encourages education vision that sees beyond CRT Written by Rick B. Larsen The controversy around critical race theory (CRT) in Utah classrooms has reached a new level of division. First, some voices are suggesting, wrongly, that their...
by Rick B. Larsen | Jun 24, 2021
Sutherland on KSLNewsRadio: Rediscover civics education Written by Rick B. Larsen https://youtu.be/VFWzQY_HwKA There is a difference between uninformed, misinformed and disinformed. None are ideal in preserving self-government. Voices from the past...
by Rick B. Larsen | Jun 7, 2021
Mask mandates. Instruction on race. Utah’s civic education is under debate. It’s time to seize the moment Written by Rick B. Larsen Originally published by Deseret News. Right now, Utah is experiencing challenging — even combative — debates over social issues...
by Rick B. Larsen | May 5, 2021
The U.S. is losing its civics education — here’s how to turn it around Written by Rick B. Larsen Originally published by Deseret News. There is a difference between uninformed, misinformed and disinformed. One demonstrates a lack of knowledge; one may be...
by Rick B. Larsen | Jan 15, 2021
Does freedom have an expiration date? Written by Rick B. Larsen Originally published in Deseret News. Current events call to mind a question posed by columnist Cal Thomas: “Does America have an expiration date?” History says all democracies do. Sir John Bagot...