Virginia HB 333: Jan. 6 Teaching Rules & Controversy - Dallas Express

Virginia lawmakers have now advanced a bill to regulate how public school teachers discuss the events of January 6, 2021.

House Bill 333 (HB 333), passed by the Democratic-controlled legislature in Richmond, would directly block teachers from presenting the Capitol protest as a “peaceful demonstration” or suggesting that any widespread fraud tainted the 2020 presidential election.

The legislation makes Virginia the first Democratic-led state to wade into this type of “censorship territory.”

The bill is permissive

, not required—

schools mayIt doesn’t force any school to include January 6 in their curriculum.

chooseto teach about it, but only if they follow the rules.At its core, HB 333 states that schools teach the events of January 6 as an ** insurrection **and prohibits teachers from presenting any alternative interpretations. This has raised concerns for many, who view it as hypocritical. After years of criticizing Republicans for book bans and censorship, Democrats are now enacting laws that silence differing viewpoints.

“It tells us what we’re not allowed to say, and it tells us what we must say,” Del. Tom Garrett (R-Buckingham) said during a recent floor speech.

The bill still needs to be signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger, and lawmakers are uncertain about its approval. In Virginia, a state that has recently shifted to a Democratic majority, Spanberger—a former CIA officer—has not publicly stated her position on HB333 or confirmed whether she will sign it into law.

If she proceeds, questions arise about the bill’s implementation and how schools will effectively educate their students about the protests. For example, what will happen when teachers discuss primary sources, such as Trump’s speeches or eyewitness accounts from participants in the January 6 events who referred to their actions as protests? Will addressing concerns about election integrity—a subject that resonates with millions of Americans—put teachers at risk of professional consequences?

If signed, the bill would take effect immediately upon approval.

From a Texas perspective, this is a cautionary tale. In the Lone Star State, lawmakers have successfully implemented measures to promote patriotic education and limit ideological indoctrination, such as the 1836 Project, which celebrates Texas history.