Virginia bill restricts how schools can teach about January 6 attack
A new bill in Virginia, proposed by Del. Dan Helmer, aims to shape how schools teach about the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. House Bill 333 sets clear rules for any lessons covering the event. The legislation comes ahead of the 2026 General Assembly session, which begins on January 14.
The bill allows local school boards to include January 6 in their curricula—but only under strict conditions. Any instruction must describe the event as an unprecedented and violent assault on democratic institutions. Schools are banned from presenting claims of widespread election fraud as credible or portraying the attack as a peaceful protest.
The restrictions only apply if a school board decides to teach about January 6. The bill does not force schools to cover the topic, nor does it alter statewide curriculum standards. Private schools remain unaffected by the proposed rules. Helmer’s office has stated the goal is to ensure teachers present history, not propaganda. The legislation does not introduce criminal penalties or enforcement measures. Instead, it sets statutory limits on how the event can be characterised in classrooms.
If passed, the bill would give Virginia school boards the option to teach about January 6 while restricting certain narratives. The focus remains on framing the event as a violent attack on democracy. The proposal will be considered when the General Assembly reconvenes next year.
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