The Daily OrangeH.S. students need more political awareness
By
Posted: 2/1/05, 1:11 AM EST Section: Opinion
At first glance, a recent study portrays high school students as being apathetic and ignorant. As it turns out, they just don't know any better.
The study conducted by the University of Connecticut found that 36 percent of the high school students surveyed feel newspapers should get government approval before publishing. Thirty-two percent of students felt that newspapers enjoy too much freedom.
If the opinions that these students expressed were based on an extensive knowledge of the First Amendment, then it would be more acceptable - but still foolish - for them to have these views. However, many of the students involved in the study were either ignorant or grossly misinformed of the issues.
Of those surveyed, 74 percent said that demonstrators should not be allowed to burn or deface the American flag in protest, but 75% were unaware that it is legal to do so. It makes no sense to point fingers at the students; blame ultimately falls on the education system.
At the high school level, in addition to the typical academic pursuits, teachers need to focus on issues that will help their students become educated members of society. The fact that three-quarters of the students were unaware of the applications of such an important document is atrocious. High school students cannot be expected to make the extra effort to seek out this information; it needs to be presented to them in their classes. It's just as important - if not more important - than much of the other material they are taught.
The national and social landscape is constantly changing, and the education system needs to change with it to better educate this country's youth. We live in time where an intimate knowledge of one's rights is not only important, but vital to being an informed American.
The study conducted by the University of Connecticut found that 36 percent of the high school students surveyed feel newspapers should get government approval before publishing. Thirty-two percent of students felt that newspapers enjoy too much freedom.
If the opinions that these students expressed were based on an extensive knowledge of the First Amendment, then it would be more acceptable - but still foolish - for them to have these views. However, many of the students involved in the study were either ignorant or grossly misinformed of the issues.
Of those surveyed, 74 percent said that demonstrators should not be allowed to burn or deface the American flag in protest, but 75% were unaware that it is legal to do so. It makes no sense to point fingers at the students; blame ultimately falls on the education system.
At the high school level, in addition to the typical academic pursuits, teachers need to focus on issues that will help their students become educated members of society. The fact that three-quarters of the students were unaware of the applications of such an important document is atrocious. High school students cannot be expected to make the extra effort to seek out this information; it needs to be presented to them in their classes. It's just as important - if not more important - than much of the other material they are taught.
The national and social landscape is constantly changing, and the education system needs to change with it to better educate this country's youth. We live in time where an intimate knowledge of one's rights is not only important, but vital to being an informed American.
