Gorsuch’s Concerns About Civic Knowledge
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch shared his views during an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” stating that he believes the “biggest danger” facing the country is, well, “itself.”
A report indicates that only 36% of Americans were able to pass the citizenship test that immigrants undergo to gain naturalization. A 2018 survey revealed that 57% of participants did not know the number of justices serving on the Supreme Court. While promoting his upcoming children’s book, “Heroes of 1776,” which is set for release in May 2026, Gorsuch emphasized that it’s difficult to defend one’s history if one isn’t properly educated about it.
Appointed by President Trump in 2017, Gorsuch recalled a significant quote from Thomas Jefferson: “An ignorant people will never be free for long.” He expressed concern about the lack of historical knowledge among younger generations, noting that crucial stories often remain untaught in schools. He pondered whether bypassing these narratives has been detrimental to society.
“My colleagues and I strongly believe in the need to instill civics education in children,” Gorsuch added. “It’s alarming that more than half of Americans can’t pass the citizenship exam expected of immigrants. Many can’t even name the three branches of government. If you ask me, the greatest crisis we face today is ourselves. We need to learn how to communicate better and understand our shared history.”
This sentiment echoed amid ongoing debates in educational circles. In 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis claimed that America is fundamentally racist, opposing Advanced Placement history courses that included aspects of critical race theory. This theory encourages viewing social interactions through a racial lens and holds groups accountable for their ancestors’ actions. After Florida rejected the original framework, the College Board announced updates to the course.
Moreover, some schools have started to incorporate the “1619 Project” into their history lessons. Critics have pointed out numerous inaccuracies related to American history. The Heritage Foundation noted that the project’s curator, Nicole Hannah-Jones, did not engage critics to contest her controversial claims.
Reflecting on unity, Gorsuch expressed a desire to contribute to a collective American spirit. He referenced the Declaration of Independence, suggesting that what divides us is minor compared to what brings us together. Similarly, former President Abraham Lincoln cautioned about the future of America, warning that if destruction is destined to come, we must be the ones to create it. “As a nation of free men, we will live forever or die by suicide,” Lincoln stated.
