Linda McMahon Visit To Elementary School Canceled After Backlash From Parents

Linda McMahon’s planned visit to a New York elementary school was canceled after several parents pushed back against the visit. Bronx News 12 reports that the former WWE president and current US Secretary of Education was set to visit McKinley Elementary School on Friday as part of the DoE’s “History Rocks!” Tour, which is in turn part of the America 250 celebrations. However, that appearance was canceled after, according to Fairfield Superintendent Michael Testani, an “alarming” amount of parents said they would keep their kids out of school if McMahon visited.

Testani said that they received a number of emails and phone calls from concerned parents, and that the visit had been canceled as a result.

McMahon heads the Department of Education, which is part of the executive branch under President Trump. Like much of the administration, McMahon’s tenure has been divisive on a number of policy decisions.

Bronx News 12 spoke with parents who were glad that the visit was canceled, as well as others who were disappointed. The outlet quoted parent Jill Alward as saying:

“A lot of the students here need the special education services that the secretary of education tried to stop. Hearing she was coming here and going to be celebrated was quite unfortunate.”

On the flip side, parent Lori Canahui said:

“I understand not liking her, but I do feel like it took a learning experience away from our children. That’s kind of sad.”

The DoE described the “History Rocks!” tour as follows:

The History Rocks! initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Education’s America 250 celebrations, coordinated with the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a national partnership with the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, and more than 50 national and state organizations. This coalition is dedicated to advancing civic education and expanding opportunities for students to learn about the ideas, individuals, and events that define the American story.

Secretary McMahon and Administration officials will visit schools in all 50 states to showcase examples of high-quality history and civics instruction that bring American principles to life. The tour will feature hands-on learning activities, opportunities for students to explore their roles as future leaders, and conversations with community members about how to strengthen civic education nationwide.