America's War on Education
A Study By Sabri Bebawi ©
Edited by ChatGPT
Inquire About My
Our knowledgeable representatives will attend to your queries as soon as they can.
America’s War on Education
Sabri Bebawi ©
Public burning of "un-German" books in Berlin
Education has long been hailed as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy and an informed citizenry. Yet, in the United States, there appears to be a troubling indifference—if not outright hostility—toward the proper education of its citizens. This alarming reality is underscored by the widespread ignorance and lack of historical knowledge among many Americans. Far from being accidental, this systemic neglect seems to be a deliberate policy choice, exemplified and amplified by recent initiatives like Project 2025.
Historically, corrupt regimes have often attacked education to maintain their grip on power. From burning books to imprisoning intellectuals, silencing artists, and undermining academic institutions, these tactics are designed to suppress critical thinking. After all, an educated populace is more likely to challenge government corruption and authoritarian overreach. The U.S., ironically a country that prides itself on freedom and democracy, now appears to be inching closer to this dangerous trend.
The current political agenda reflects a deeply concerning assault on educational institutions. The proposed elimination of the Department of Education and the withdrawal of funding for schools that teach history are glaring examples. These actions reveal a calculated fear: historical awareness equips people to recognize patterns, analyze contemporary issues, and foresee the consequences of political actions. An informed population is harder to manipulate, which is precisely what some politicians fear.
The ignorance of American history among citizens is already staggering. Many Americans struggle to articulate the significance of July 4th, Veteran’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, or even Thanksgiving. This ignorance is not a new phenomenon, nor is it limited to a small segment of the population. It reflects decades of neglect in prioritizing historical and civic education. Ironically, when President Ronald Reagan implemented the Amnesty Program, the government invested substantial resources in educating newly pardoned immigrants. Immigrants were taught U.S. history, government structure, cultural traditions, and civil rights movements—subjects many native-born citizens know little about. I witnessed this firsthand, teaching political science classes to immigrants eager to learn about their new country. The enthusiasm and diligence they displayed stood in stark contrast to the apathy seen among many Americans.
The naturalization process requires immigrants to pass a test on U.S. history and government. Yet, how many American-born citizens could pass that same test? The irony is glaring: the government demands knowledge from immigrants that it fails to instill in its own people. Now, with the proposed defunding of history education, even fewer Americans will have the chance to learn about their country’s past.
One must ask: Why this deliberate effort to erase history from the curriculum? The answer lies in the relationship between knowledge and power. History is a tool of empowerment. It teaches lessons from the past, fosters critical thinking, and provides the context needed to understand current events. A population devoid of this knowledge is easier to control, less likely to question authority, and more susceptible to propaganda.
The erosion of education in America, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, is more than a policy failure—it is a deliberate strategy to disempower the public. By keeping citizens uninformed and disengaged, those in power can consolidate their authority with minimal resistance. If this trend continues, the consequences for democracy and society at large will be dire.
America’s war on education is not just a war on schools, teachers, and students. It is a war on the principles of democracy, freedom, and informed citizenship. To reverse this dangerous trajectory, there must be a renewed commitment to valuing education—not as a privilege for a select few but as a fundamental right for all. Only through education can we hope to safeguard the ideals that define the United States and empower future generations to create a more just and equitable society.