Missouri college creates mandatory patriotism class

The College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri, has unveiled a required class called Patriotic Education and Fitness. College President Jerry Davis (pictured) has said that patriotic education must be taught

An Evangelical Christian college in Missouri is now requiring freshman to take a class aimed at encouraging patriotism.

The College of the Ozarks has unveiled a military science class called Patriotic Education and Fitness. 

The course aims to educate students on modern military customs, U.S. politics and flag protocol and procedures. It will also teach rifle marksmanship, map reading, land navigation and rope knotting.

The college held an event Monday to introduce the new course.

‘I really think that if you give a person the tools of an education, the patriotic yearnings inside of themselves and the leadership tools that can be taught – they will be leaders,’ said Terrence Dake, a board of trustees member for the college and retired general with the U.S. Marine Corps.

College President Jerry Davis said he believes ‘understanding the military now is more important than ever because we have 99 per cent of the population being defended by one per cent, who are in uniform. 

‘We should be more intentional about patriotic education, and from our point of view that needs to occur from kindergarten all the way through college.’

The course (pictured: College of the Ozarks) will educate students on modern military customs, U.S. politics and flag protocol and procedures and will also teach rifle marksmanship, map reading, land navigation and rope knotting

The course (pictured: College of the Ozarks) will educate students on modern military customs, U.S. politics and flag protocol and procedures and will also teach rifle marksmanship, map reading, land navigation and rope knotting

‘Patriotic education is not inherited: It must be taught, it must be modeled, and it must be emphasized,’ Davis continued.

‘It’s the United States of America, not the diversified states of America.’

The college announced last month that its athletic teams are required to stand for the Star-Spangled Banner, and they will not compete against other teams whose players don’t stand for the anthem.

President Davis has said: 'It's the United States of America, not the diversified states of America' in regards to the course 

President Davis has said: ‘It’s the United States of America, not the diversified states of America’ in regards to the course 

‘We want to make it clear that we are not going to participate in a game where we think disrespect for the national anthem or the flag is being displayed,’ Davis said. 

‘I don’t think it’s a partisan issue. It’s an American issue, how we feel about our country.’

The move comes amid a backdrop of some U.S. athletes protesting racial injustice by taking a knee during the national anthem in a movement started by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016.  

The required class builds camaraderie among students, according to Talan Saylor, a freshman at the college.

‘We all go through kind of the same thing, so going through a patriotic class where we are learning about our country and fostering a love for that country together is really special,’ he said.

Eli Harold (No. 58), Colin Kaepernick (No. 7) and Eric Reid (in black) of the San Francisco 49ers kneel on the sideline, during the anthem, prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks

Eli Harold (No. 58), Colin Kaepernick (No. 7) and Eric Reid (in black) of the San Francisco 49ers kneel on the sideline, during the anthem, prior to a game against the Seattle Seahawks

 

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