FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) -- The U.S. Secretary of Education made a stop at a Cumberland County high school Wednesday as part of a nationwide civics education tour, but the visit has sparked concerns among some parents about communication and transparency.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Jack Britt High School as part of the "History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour", a 50-state initiative designed to highlight creative approaches to teaching American history and civics.
During the visit, students participated in a high-energy civics-themed event, complete with games, cheers, and T-shirt giveaways, creating an atmosphere more like a pep rally than a traditional classroom lesson.
"I'm really pleased to be able to be back home in North Carolina," McMahon said during the event.
The tour is sponsored by several organizations, including The Heritage Foundation and Turning Point USA, and aims to encourage what organizers describe as a renewed focus on civic engagement and patriotism among students.
"Civics is something that we need to teach everywhere in our country and our love of country. We want to make sure that message is loud and clear," McMahon said.
The secretary also emphasized that the tour aligns with the Trump administration's broader plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, shifting more control over education decisions to states and local communities.
"Who would be better than the local community, parents, teachers, school superintendents, and governors of states to determine what is best for their students -- not a bureaucracy out of Washington," she said.
The visit is also part of the administration's efforts to commemorate America's upcoming 250th birthday, according to McMahon.
However, the visit drew criticism from some parents who said they were never informed ahead of time. One father addressed the Cumberland County Board of Education, expressing frustration over the lack of communication.
"My child is a student at Jack Britt, so I asked him if it was true? My child responded, 'I'm not supposed to tell you'," the parent said.
School leaders acknowledged the concerns and explained the restrictions surrounding the visit.
"We were told we could not put out any information to the public until the U.S. Department of Education does so," Jack Britt High School Principal Queesha Tillman said.
District officials also stressed that student participation was voluntary.
"I do want to share that this was an optional event," Cumberland County Schools Associate Superintendent Lindsay A. Whitley said. "Students weren't required to come, but if they'd like to come, they were invited to be able to be here."
Still, some parents say the situation highlights a larger issue.
"Parents deserve clear communication about what is happening at their children's school," one parent said. "Secrecy only erodes trust."