The ForumCivic Literacy
Civic Illiteracy a Growing Problem Among College Students
America’s colleges and universities have historically served as the embodiment of the fundamental principles which shape America.
WASHINGTON, DC—It’s a different campus and a different chant: Students and scholars at the University of Chicago are in agreement: “Western Civ has got to stay!!”
In a recent referendum, the University of Chicago student body voted overwhelmingly, 1043-481, to encourage the “faculty to reconsider their decision to reduce and eventually delete the Western Civilization sequence from the course offerings of this University.” Nearly a third of the undergraduate college voted on the referendum, more than voted on any other issue on the ballot.
The students’ action comes in tandem with a recent statement by Scholars for the University of Chicago condemning the university’s decision to eliminate the Western Civilization sequence.
“This is a man bites dog story,” said Anne D. Neal, Executive Director of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. “Now it’s students and alumni who are demanding higher standards and a rigorous curriculum while the administration makes excuses for lower standards. Students want a strong education that gives them exposure to the greatest achievements of Western Civilization. This is particularly important at a time when our civilization is under attack.”
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni is a nonprofit dedicated to academic freedom, excellence, and accountability.
America’s colleges and universities have historically served as the embodiment of the fundamental principles which shape America.
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Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
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