Anchorage School District Acknowledges Error in Adding Disclaimer to Constitution Pamphlets

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — November 20, 2025 — The Anchorage School District has admitted to an error after including a disclaimer stating it “does not endorse” the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence in pamphlets distributed to students. The addition of the disclaimer prompted backlash from parents and drew criticism from the Alaska attorney general’s office.

Officials said the pamphlets, which were intended to educate students about foundational American documents, were altered to include the disclaimer as part of a review process. However, the district acknowledged that the note was inappropriate and has since removed it from all materials.

The controversy arose after several parents noticed the disclaimer and raised concerns that it undermined the educational purpose of the pamphlets. Some parents expressed frustration that the district appeared to question the legitimacy or value of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

In response to the complaints, the Alaska attorney general issued a statement emphasizing the importance of teaching these documents without editorializing or disclaimers that could be perceived as casting doubt on their significance. The attorney general’s office urged the district to ensure that educational materials remain factual and free from political commentary.

School district representatives confirmed that the disclaimer was added without proper oversight and did not reflect the district’s official stance. They apologized for any confusion caused and reaffirmed their commitment to providing accurate civics education.

The district said it is reviewing its procedures for approving educational content to prevent similar issues in the future. Officials also noted that the pamphlets are intended to support student understanding of American history and government, and the district remains dedicated to fostering informed citizenship.

This incident highlights ongoing debates in education about how foundational U.S. documents are presented in schools. While some advocate for unaltered teaching of historical texts, others call for contextualization or critical examination. In this case, the addition of a disclaimer was seen by many as an unnecessary editorial comment rather than an educational tool.

The Anchorage School District’s swift removal of the disclaimer and acknowledgment of the mistake have been welcomed by parents and community members seeking clarity and a focus on factual instruction. The district plans to continue engaging with stakeholders to ensure educational materials meet community expectations and legal standards.

As of now, no further changes to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence pamphlets have been announced beyond the removal of the disclaimer. The district encourages parents and educators to provide feedback on curriculum materials to support continuous improvement.