Democracy at Risk

Higher Education and Civic Democratic Engagement

Exploring Impact

Danielle Lake

Series Editor

Vol. 3

To our Parents … Global Peace and Freedom

Contents

1. Foreword

2. Preface

3. Editor’s Introduction Effie N. Christie

4. Chapter 1 Democracy at the Crossroads

   Effie N. Christie

5. Chapter 2 Insurrection: States, Education, Political Platforms, and More – The Young and the Old

   Marissa Andrade, Diane Matos-Reis and Yeny Quezada

6. Chapter 3 The Insurrectionists: Ages 25–34: The Temptation to “Make America Great Again”

   Gwendolyn Long and Peter Bardys

7. Chapter 4 The Capitol Rioters: Gen X/Millennial Group

   Kelly Harmon and Jenabu Williams

8. Chapter 5 A Profile of the Insurrectionists Ages 45–54: A Period of Educational Equality and Educational Opportunity

   Joi R. Fisher-Griffin and Maria Torres

9. Chapter 6 Reflections and Commentary

10. Epilogue

11. Notes on Contributors

Foreword

Tracy Gray, President of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter.

In the wake of the January 6^th insurrection, a significant question loomed over America: how could this happen in a nation founded on democratic principles? This book delves into that day—not merely as a singular event of political violence but as a manifestation of more profound, systemic flaws in our civic education and political culture. From the role of education in shaping citizens to the gradual erosion of shared democratic values, this work provides an unparalleled and comprehensive exploration of the forces that culminated in one of the darkest days in American history.

This is a retrospective analysis and a clarion call for the future. Civic education, long relegated to the margins of academic discourse, is brought back into focus here. The book explores the bare necessities of civic education, charting how generations have been prepared—or ill-prepared—to engage meaningfully with democracy. With thoughtful precision, it challenges readers to consider the unwritten rules of politics that dictate much of our collective political consciousness and the vital importance of reinvigorating civic responsibility among all Americans, inspiring and motivating readers to act.

This book weaves a detailed narrative, from the chaotic scenes at the Capitol to the ideological divisions that underpin modern America. It highlights the importance of civic education not just as an academic subject but as the lifeblood of a healthy democracy. Readers will come away with an intimate understanding of how fragile our democracy is when citizens lack the tools to discern fact from fiction, navigate political complexities, and resist the lure of extremist narratives.

This book is not just a historical account but a call to immediate action. It is essential for anyone seeking to understand the insurrection’s underlying causes and the urgent need to restore civic education as a cornerstone of the American Dream. Its pages pulse with the heartbeat of democracy, highlighting its vulnerabilities and the enduring hope that it can be revitalized. For those who care about the future of our nation and its body politic, this book offers a critical and timely reflection on how we arrived at this crossroads and how we can move forward.

To prevent events like the January 6^th insurrection and safeguard the future of American democracy, several vital reforms are needed. These reforms target education, media literacy, political transparency, and social and economic equity. Below are some essential areas for reform:

1. Revitalization of Civic Education

• Reintroduce Comprehensive Civics Curriculum: Schools need to prioritize civics education, ensuring that students gain a deep understanding of the Constitution, democratic principles, and the functioning of government. A renewed focus on civic responsibility, political literacy, and the importance of democratic engagement should be integral to K-12 and higher education.

• Active Learning Approaches: Students should engage in more experiential learning, such as debates, simulations of government processes, and community service projects, to help them understand democracy in practice, not just theory.

• Increased Accountability in Education: National and state assessments must include civics knowledge as a benchmark, and schools should be held accountable for fostering well-informed citizens, not just students with strong math and reading scores.

2. Media and Information Literacy

• Combating Misinformation: Schools, universities, and public institutions must teach critical media literacy, focusing on discerning credible sources from false information. People must be trained to identify propaganda, deepfakes, and disinformation, especially in digital spaces.

• Media Responsibility: Stricter oversight of media outlets that spread disinformation is essential. This includes establishing more substantial penalties for platforms that allow the spread of harmful conspiracy theories, extremist rhetoric, and false information that incites violence.

• Public Campaigns for Critical Thinking: A nationwide initiative focused on critical thinking skills and responsible media consumption could help the public better evaluate political messaging and news sources.