Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch is openly addressing a pressing concern: the diminishing state of civic literacy among young Americans. His worries about how little students know about their own history and government led him to co-author a new children’s book, titled “Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration.” This book aims to instill a deeper understanding of America’s founding principles in the next generation.
Gorsuch recently discussed these issues in an interview with Fox News Digital, where he revealed alarming statistics. He noted, “Only about 13% of kids today in eighth grade are proficient in American history — [and just] 22% in civics.” He elaborated on the troubling reality, sharing that “six out of 10 adults would fail our citizenship test.” These figures underline a significant gap in knowledge that Gorsuch finds profoundly concerning. They served as a catalyst for him to contribute to educational efforts through literature.
In his conversation, Gorsuch credited his former clerk and co-author, Janie Nitze, for triggering his involvement. She pointed out the persistent nature of his concerns about civic education. Gorsuch acknowledged this by stating, “She says, ‘You have been complaining about the state of civic education in this country for a long time.’ She’s right… So, it’s time to do something about it, I figured.” His commitment to enhancing civic education is longstanding, arising even before his appointment to the Supreme Court.
Gorsuch also draws inspiration from former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who established a civics education nonprofit after her time on the bench. He noted her belief that civic education is crucial, stating, “As she was leaving the court, she reflected that civic education in this country is a problem.” Gorsuch emphasized that this lack of education is largely due to it not being taught in schools anymore.
He articulated the importance of civic knowledge by asserting, “We are a creedal nation, again, not based on race or religion, but based on an idea, three great ideas, I think. And if you don’t know what they are, the history and the people that made them possible, how can you possibly carry them on?” This argument highlights a fundamental need for understanding America’s foundational ideals to ensure they endure.
Reflecting on civic knowledge among Americans, Gorsuch pointed out a notable statistic from 2019: only one-third of Americans could name all three branches of government. He considers this fact alarming, as these branches play a crucial role in maintaining checks and balances against potential overreach. He previously remarked, “What Madison knew is that people are not angels,” indicating that safeguards are essential to protect freedoms.
Through “Heroes of 1776,” Gorsuch aims to engage younger audiences by illustrating their historical contributions. The book features hand-painted illustrations and narratives about revolutionaries and young individuals who played pivotal roles during the Revolutionary War. Gorsuch aims to inspire children, believing they are “remarkable contributors to our country throughout history.” He specifically mentioned teenagers included in the book who directly participated in the war, even serving as spies.
He emphasized that promoting civic education transcends political partisanship. Gorsuch stated, “If you polled the nine of us in our conference room, one thing we could all agree on is the importance of learning American history.” His assertion that the justices can unify around this topic underscores its fundamental significance for all citizens.
Ultimately, Gorsuch’s efforts are rooted in a desire to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of American history among young people. He concluded with a poignant reminder: “Because how else are you going to carry this thing forward? Somebody has to run the zoo.” This call to action highlights the necessity of equipping future generations with the knowledge they need to uphold American democracy.
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