The president of the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal, Jenna A. Robinson, wrote for Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Restoration Substack about America’s growing civic illiteracy and the urgent need to restore civics education. With the nation approaching the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Robinson argues that this milestone should be a time of unity and reflection—but instead, it comes amid distrust in institutions, polarization, and ignorance of basic constitutional principles. Drawing on a Martin Center report by Shannon Watkins, she notes that only 14 states require college civics courses and that, even where such courses exist, they are often weak. Robinson calls on universities—especially elite and public institutions—to revive rigorous civics instruction rooted in America’s founding documents and civic virtues. Rebuilding civic knowledge, she writes, is essential to renewing public trust and preserving the republic itself.
To read the full piece, visit Restoration.