While Universities Prioritize Identity, America Will Have an Excess of Uninformed Students
American civilization has created an extraordinary educational system, surpassing anything seen before. Our universities are filled with over 1.4 million dedicated teachers, but unfortunately, 60 percent of them identify as “left” or “far-left.” These instructors often have a close-minded mentality based on racial and sexual identity, resulting in the production of ill-informed and civically ignorant students.
A year-long study conducted by researchers at the Center for American Institutions at Arizona State University revealed that many teachers in introductory American history classes filter the curriculum through the lens of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identity. This narrow focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion terms like “white supremacy” and “homophobia” limits students’ understanding of our nation’s past. The study reviewed 75 history course syllabi from various colleges, and the focus was overwhelmingly on DEI.
American higher education is not only producing students who despise their own country and its values, but they are also shockingly ignorant. A survey conducted by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni in 2019 revealed that 63 percent of students did not know the term lengths for U.S. senators or congressmen, only 15 percent could identify James Madison as the “Father of the Constitution,” and nearly 20 percent believed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was the author of the New Deal. A recent survey even showed that one in five Gen Zers had a positive view of Osama bin Laden. It is clear that our universities are failing to educate our students properly.
The blame for this lies with the woke professoriate, who prioritize their political agenda over imparting essential knowledge and critical thinking skills. It is time for regents and state legislatures to demand transparency in education by requiring academic units to make syllabi, class enrollments, faculty minutes, and administrative announcements easily accessible to the public.
Addressing the Problem
Former Gov. Scott Walker and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have called for reform in our universities. Some colleges and universities are already taking steps to address the issue by offering degree programs that emphasize civics and classical education. However, these programs alone are not enough. We need to broaden faculty searches to include diverse areas of expertise and move away from hiring based solely on identity-focused criteria. Additionally, we should consider reimagining the university curriculum itself, creating interdisciplinary programs that provide students with a broader knowledge base and encourage critical thinking.
Our current university structures are detrimental to our students and society. Immediate reform is necessary to ensure intellectual diversity and a well-rounded education.
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In what ways has the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education impacted the teaching of historical knowledge?
That only 24 percent of college graduates could correctly identify the purpose of the Declaration of Independence, and only 36 percent knew the basic principles of the U.S. Constitution. This lack of historical knowledge is deeply concerning as it reflects a failure of our educational system to teach students about the foundations and principles that our nation was built upon.
The focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the curriculum has led to the neglect of other important aspects of education, such as critical thinking, logical reasoning, and a comprehensive understanding of history. Students are being taught to view the world through a narrow lens of identity politics, where every issue is filtered through the prism of race, gender, and sexuality. This approach not only stifles intellectual growth but also fosters division and polarization among students.
It is essential that our educational system provides a comprehensive and balanced education that equips students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and historical awareness necessary to become informed citizens and leaders. We must refocus our efforts on teaching students the fundamental principles and values that have shaped our nation, rather than indoctrinating them with a divisive ideology.
This does not mean that diversity, equity, and inclusion should be completely ignored. These are important ideals that should be addressed in education, but they should not dominate the curriculum to the detriment of other essential subjects. Students should be exposed to a wide range of perspectives and ideas, encouraging them to think critically, engage in respectful debate, and form their own opinions based on a thorough understanding of different viewpoints.
Moreover, it is vital that teachers approach their role with professionalism and neutrality. They should present information and viewpoints objectively, allowing students to develop their own conclusions rather than imposing their own beliefs. Educators have a responsibility to foster intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and the pursuit of truth among students, regardless of their political or ideological leanings.
In conclusion, the current focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in American education has resulted in the neglect of crucial aspects such as historical knowledge, critical thinking, and intellectual growth. Our educational system must refocus on providing a balanced education that equips students with a deep understanding of our nation’s history, values, and principles. This requires a commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the promotion of open-mindedness among educators. Only by doing so can we ensure that our future generations are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the world and contribute positively to society.
