Mike Gonzalez, Heritage’s Angeles T. Arredondo E Pluribus Unum senior fellow, recently received the Patriot Award from the College of the Ozarks. The award, presented by former Vice President Mike Pence, was announced at the National Symposium on Patriotic Education on Sept. 17.
“The Patriot Award Mike received was given to him on behalf of College of the Ozarks to recognize his commitment to advocating for patriotic and civic education in our nation, participation in the 1776 Commission, and willingness to courageously challenge destructive ideologies that undermine historic American values and virtues,” said Andrew Bolger, director of the College of the Ozarks’ William S. Knight Center For Patriotic Education.
Gonzalez’s research focuses on critical race theory, identity politics, diversity, and multiculturalism. His third book, “BLM: The Making of a New Marxist Revolution,” was published by Encounter Books in September.
“Mike is the energizer bunny the left always feared: a relentless truth warrior who is completely unafraid to stand up for an inconvenient truth against a popular wrong. Mike’s family escaped from Castro’s Cuba, a legacy he has never forgotten in his uncompromising defense of a free and just America,” said James Carafano, vice president of Heritage’s Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy and the E.W. Richardson fellow.
Gonzalez recently addressed the Western Conservative Summit on the dangers of critical race theory. He shared his message to parents who worry that critical race theory has found its way into their children’s school.
“Demand to know the curriculum, speak to your teacher, speak to your principal,” said Gonzalez. “Don’t take no for an answer when they say, ‘No, the curriculum is a private thing we can’t share it with you,’ fight this. You’re fighting for your country and your children.”
The College of the Ozarks, also known as “Hard Work U,” is a private Christian college in Point Lockout, Missouri. The college’s mission is to provide the advantages of a Christian education for youth of both sexes, especially those found worthy, but who are without sufficient means to procure such training.
