In Defense of Standards

Lynne V. Cheney, conservative activist and former Chairman of the National Endowment of the Humanities, speaks about the state of educational standards in the United States. Lynne V. Cheney is married to Dick Cheney, who later served as Vice President of the United States from 2001 to 2009. Cheney reflects on her own experience studying literature and contends that contemporary American academia and education has changed dramatically. She argues that academic institutions have abandoned the search for objective truth in favor of a more critical, post-modern approach to research and education. Cheney expresses criticism of that fundamental change and its influence on wider art and culture in America. She particularly exemplifies American education standards, arguing that American teachers are teaching students only negative things about American history and that “the picture we are giving them is so grim.” The lecture is followed with questions from the audience.