University of Mississippi’s Declaration of Independence Center
At the University of Mississippi, there’s a unique initiative called the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Liberty. Its goal is to provide students with a richer, more precise understanding of America’s core principles and the freedoms the nation was built upon. Dr. Steven Scartiti, the director, along with Associate Director Dr. Rankin Schirling, recently discussed the center’s mission and expressed concerns about the declining education surrounding the founding of the country. They argue that this educational gap could be contributing to many ongoing challenges in the U.S.
Schirling remarked, “Americans are largely unaware of their founding documents,” and noted that this isn’t entirely the public’s fault. “They’ve been taught a certain way, and it’s only gotten worse over the years. Many educators themselves often don’t truly understand what these documents say. A lot haven’t even read them thoroughly without some kind of assistance.” This highlights a concerning trend in civic education.
A recent study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation indicates that more than 70% of Americans failed a basic civic literacy test. Professor Scartetti pointed out that ongoing research reveals students are increasingly uninformed about American civics and the nation’s historical narratives of liberty and justice. For instance, a 2024 survey by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni showed that only 31% of college students recognized James Madison as the “Father of the Constitution.” Even fewer—23%—knew the phrase “government of the people, by the people, and for the people” originated from the Gettysburg Address.
Schirling believes the core issue lies in students not interacting with the founding documents directly. “Most students have never actually read them. They often receive information about them secondhand,” he explained.
Schirling emphasized the center’s commitment to comprehensive education on America’s foundational texts: “We offer classes focusing on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Articles of Confederation.” He also noted that American values draw heavily from both the Judeo-Christian and Western traditions, which are intricately linked to the Declaration itself.
According to a Cato Institute 2025 survey, 53% of a sample of over 2,000 Americans were unaware that the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 to sever ties with Britain. Despite this, 64% expressed that they believe freedom is currently at risk in America, with many indicating that the Founding Fathers would be disappointed with current adherence to the Constitution.
Annenberg Public Policy Center statistics reveal that while around 70% of American adults could identify all three branches of government, less than half could name all rights protected by the First Amendment, with only 48% recognizing religious freedom. Cato’s findings illustrated a troubling trend: a significant number of Americans struggle to name all branches of government.
Schirling also touched on the ongoing cancel culture prevalent in many academic circles, noting, “It’s captivated the academic community. While there’s increasing pushback, it’s still very much present.” He asserts that the narrative suggesting America’s foundation is rooted in tyranny is problematic. “While America speaks of freedom and justice, it’s essential to recognize that simplifying the nation’s history to just these failings misrepresents the reality,” he stated.
ACTA’s report for 2024 found that just 28% of college students knew the 13th Amendment abolished slavery. Moreover, a 2021 ACTA survey indicated that a mere 18% of four-year institutions require a foundational course in U.S. history or government—a number that’s been steadily dropping over the years.
“The Declaration Center’s focus is on providing students, faculty, and community members in Mississippi with the chance to study these crucial documents, and we want to emphasize the significance of America’s tradition of freedom,” Scartetti remarked.
Emily Purifoy, a sophomore minoring in Freedom Studies at the Declaration Center, shared her experiences. “In conversations with other students outside class, I noticed many agree with me but often lack a full understanding of why,” she said. “I think this stems from a gap in study.” Purifoy reflected on how the center has equipped her with the knowledge to better articulate her beliefs, saying, “Growing up conservative, I understood my voting choices but didn’t grasp the reasons behind them. The Declaration Center has really clarified why America matters.”
