Were the Alien and Sedition Acts Constitutional?
After reading the Early Challenges in the Constitutional Republic essay from Documents of Freedom, students are asked to evaluate two of the Alien and Sedition Acts in light of the First Amendment...Read More.

War and Constitutional Separation of Powers
In this activity, students work in pairs, small groups, or as a large group to read Handout A: Lincoln and Habeas Corpus in the Civil War, including passages from the U.S. Constitution and memoranda from President Abraham Lincoln...Read More.

What is Due Process?
In this lesson, students will evaluate contradictory viewpoints concerning liberty and security. They will evaluate Supreme Court decisions regarding fair trail, due process, and the war on terror and evaluate whether the Constitution takes on different meanings during wartime..Read More.

Who Was Fred Korematsu?
In this lesson, students will learn about how Fred Korematsu decided to sacrifice himself to fight against Japanese-American internment during World War II...Read More.

New Podcast Episode: 1960's Songs for a Generation
Mary, Gary, and Eryn wrap up the first season of our podcast series by time traveling to the psychedelic 60s to break down the ways that music and protest were intertwined during the period and discuss the broader question of how calls for social change are expressed in society. 

Join the Debate: Do Public Health Policies Supersede Civil Liberties?
Please encourage your students to join in the latest debate on Think the Vote. The current topic: Do public health policies supersede civil liberties? The students who make the strongest case for their position and their referring teachers win a gift card, swag, and a chance at a $1000 scholarship.

Deadline for #BRIThankaTeacher Contest is May 2
It's not too late to share some of the amazing and inspiring ways your fellow teachers are helping their students through the pandemic. In a social media post or video, share with us the best stories of how an educator/educators you know are helping their students learn and thrive in these unprecedented times. Visit the website for details.

Dear John,
 

Over the past several weeks, we have watched this terrible crisis play out, seeing and feeling both the tragedy of loss and the remarkable fortitude of the human spirit. Last week, Rachel Davison Humphries and I sat down with educators from across the country, and our conversation was truly inspiring. 

We are now entering a new phase of the crisis. As we do, I am reminded of Winston Churchill’s words from November 10, 1942, when, after the battle of El Alamein in North Africa, he stated, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”  

This next phase will bring more challenges as our society considers the path forward. This public deliberation is a civic moment that serves as an opportunity for us to model thoughtful engagement in our neighborhoods and for our students as we all weigh the balance between our civil liberties and the safety and security of our communities. 

BRI is working to facilitate this through our eLessons, Homework Help videos, and our new comprehensive U.S. history resource Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. This resource pulls together essays from over 90 scholars, putting students at the heart of historical debates and helping them develop the skills and historical context helping them to engage in contemporary debates.  

BRI is here to support your work in this new phase. We are sincerely grateful for you and the work you do in both teaching and supporting students. Together, as a community, we will accomplish amazing things. 

Stay strong, be well, and don’t forget to wash your hands!

Kirk Higgins
Senior Manager, Education