As challenges to U.S. democracy proliferate, public schools have been caught up in the controversies. Columnist Robert Kim explains that the challenges to both public education and democracy are not new. These attacks occur on multiple fronts, involving funding, equity, and curriculum. And efforts to respond to the threats will require various types of legal battles. But the courts alone cannot address the threats of vouchers, censorship, and the diminishment of students' rights. Broad civic engagement, robust advocacy campaigns, research, and a strong communications effort also are necessary.