Biden SOTU 2024 01; public domain
The recent findings from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) on the civic literacy of college students are alarming, but not surprising. The survey, “Losing America’s Memory 2.0,” reveals that our higher education system fails to equip students with a basic understanding of American history and government. When only 27% of college students can identify the current President of the Senate, Kamala Harris, and a mere 23% recognize the Gettysburg Address as the source of “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” it’s clear that we’re facing a crisis.
The College Fix reports that this ignorance isn’t just a trivial matter; it’s a serious threat to the health of our republic. As Bradley Jackson from ACTA aptly pointed out, “In a democracy, that is a recipe for disaster.” If young Americans don’t understand the structure and principles of their government, how can they be expected to participate effectively in civic life? The fact that 57% of students would rather flee the country than fight in the case of an invasion reflects not just a lack of knowledge, but a deeper malaise—a disconnection from the very values that have sustained our nation.
The root of this problem lies in our education system. With fewer than 20% of colleges requiring a course on U.S. history or government, it’s no wonder students are woefully uninformed. The K-12 system has also contributed to this decline, with textbooks and curricula that prioritize leftist ideology over American history and values.
However, this trend can be reversed. Universities must take the lead by mandating courses on American history and government. Without a solid foundation in civic knowledge, our young people are at risk of becoming citizens in name only, disconnected from the principles that make our country great.
