A Dismaying Deficiency in American Civic Knowledge Raises Alarms Among Educators

A Dismaying Deficiency in American Civic Knowledge Raises Alarms Among Educators

At the University of Mississippi, the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom aims to provide students with a deeper and more profound understanding of America’s founding principles. Director Dr. Steven Skultety and Associate Director Dr. Rankin Sherling shared their insights with Fox News Digital regarding the Center’s mission and the troubling absence of effective education on the nation’s founding. They argue that this gap significantly contributes to the challenges confronting the country today.

A Shocking Lack of Knowledge

Sherling openly stated that the ignorance surrounding America’s foundational documents is alarming. He emphasized that it is not entirely the fault of the students.

Dr. Sherling remarked that students have been instructed in a way that perpetuates misunderstanding. He continued, stating that this issue extends to the teachers themselves who often lack the familiarity needed with these crucial documents. Many educators haven’t engaged with the founding texts unless they receive guidance on interpreting them.

Study Highlights Civic Literacy Crisis

A major study conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in 2024 revealed that over 70% of Americans failed a basic civic literacy quiz, exposing a significant knowledge gap. Dr. Skultety elaborated on this concerning trend, stating, “Year after year, studies reveal that students are not knowledgeable about American civics, as well as the historical tradition of liberty and justice.”

A separate 2024 study from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni found that only 31% of college students correctly identified James Madison as the Father of the Constitution. Furthermore, a mere 23% could link the phrase “government of the people, by the people, for the people” to the Gettysburg Address.

The Foundational Documents Remain Unread

Dr. Sherling believes that a significant part of the problem lies in the fact that students often do not engage directly with the founding documents. He noted, “Most students never read the founding documents. They are merely told what these documents signify.”

At the Declaration Center, the faculty works diligently to rectify this situation. They conduct courses on key documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers, ensuring students gain firsthand knowledge instead of relying solely on interpretations.

Understanding American Values

Dr. Sherling highlighted that American values are deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian heritage and Western principles, both of which find expression within the Declaration of Independence. He posited that understanding these connections is vital for students to appreciate the full scope of American ideals.

The Cato Institute’s Fourth of July National Survey in 2025 showed that, among 2,000 participants, 53% were unaware that the Declaration of Independence was established to sever ties with Britain in 1776. Despite this lack of knowledge, 64% conveyed concerns that freedom is under threat in America today. They also expressed the belief that the Founding Fathers would be disheartened by the current adherence to the Constitution.

Mixed Messages on Civic Knowledge

Insights from the Annenberg Public Policy Center revealed some contrasting findings. Approximately 70% of U.S. adults could name all three branches of government, while 79% recognized freedom of speech among the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. However, less than half could identify the other rights included, and only 48% acknowledged freedom of religion.

In contrast, Cato’s survey indicated lower levels of civic knowledge overall. Alarmingly, over one-third of Americans could not name all three branches of government, reflecting an ongoing crisis in civic education.

Challenges Posed by Cancel Culture

Dr. Sherling also addressed the pervasive influence of cancel culture in academia. He warned that it has predominantly affected institutions, asserting that there is a growing pushback against its dominance.

He cautioned against perceiving the founding of the United States as a narrative solely focused on oppression. He articulated that while historical injustices existed, such as slavery and the oppression of women and Native peoples, it is misleading to claim these events define the essence of the United States. Sherling claimed, “If you delve into the founding documents, you will be equipped to counter such accusations effectively.”

Education System Gaps Persist

ACTA’s 2024 report revealed a concerning statistic: only 28% of college students understand that the 13th Amendment abolished slavery. Additionally, a 2021 study uncovered that a mere 18% of four-year institutions mandate a course in U.S. history or government, a decline over the past decade.

Dr. Skultety expressed the essential goal of the Declaration Center, which focuses on enabling students, faculty, and citizens in Mississippi to engage with foundational texts and appreciate the significance of American liberty.

Personal Testimonies from Students

Fox News Digital interviewed Emily Purifoy, a sophomore participating in the Declaration Center program as a Freedom Studies minor, providing a student perspective on the issue. She reflected on her conversations with fellow students and noted that many share dissenting views without fully grasping their reasons. “They know they disagree, but they do not fully understand why,” she lamented.

Purifoy also indicated that the Center has empowered her to deepen her understanding of her beliefs. Her education there has provided her with the tools to articulate the reasons behind her political views. She articulated, “I think I’m becoming more educated on what I believe. Growing up conservative, I understood whom to support politically, but I lacked clarity about why those beliefs mattered. The Declaration Center has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of why America is crucial.”

This report includes contributions from Fox News Digital’s Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi.