A group of students attending an upscale prep school in upstate New York are given an assignment to write a politically biased essay that will count for 2/3 of their grade. Jillian Ashton, along with many of her classmates are conflicted as to whether to write an essay that conforms to their own political beliefs or those of the teacher and the school administrator, concerned that their decision could jeopardize their acceptance by colleges and universities of their choice. The students evaluate the sincerity, honesty and policies of the current administration, as well as the manner in which education is being taught in the American school system.