Justice Gorsuch Speaks on Civic Education at Reagan Institute Event

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch spoke at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute on Tuesday and called on Americans to take self-governance seriously by strengthening civic education. The Trump appointee appeared alongside his former law clerk and co-author Janie Nitze to promote their children's book, "Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence," which explores stories of American Revolution heroes.

RRPFI President David Trulio interviewed Gorsuch and asked about the decline of civic education in America.

Trulio also questioned what parents can do to counter this trend in their own lives and communities. Gorsuch acknowledged a "huge problem" and pointed to the significance of Independence Day. "We celebrate July 4, when that document was approved.

It’s those ideas that unite us, and if they don’t get taught, and if the virtues that led to them don’t get taught, then I worry," Gorsuch said. " He spoke about the importance of civic education at the Reagan Library and directed comments to young people in attendance.

Gorsuch told them to appreciate what they have, learn from America’s history so they don’t repeat mistakes, and find virtues, courage, and examples to live by.

He then turned his focus to parents. "You have voices in your schools. Insist they teach history. He added a broader call for personal responsibility in democracy.

"You gotta take ownership of this. So, I don’t think we can blame others. " The Federalist reported that Gorsuch’s message came ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

The justice has delivered a similar warning before. He quoted Thomas Jefferson’s warning that an ignorant people will never remain free for long. The event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute centered on the new book’s themes of American history and the virtues that produced the Declaration of Independence.

Gorsuch’s appearance placed those ideas in the context of contemporary concerns about civic knowledge passing to the next generation. The justice’s remarks underscored a consistent view that preserving freedom depends on teaching both the country’s history and the character traits that sustained its founding.

He has repeatedly tied that duty to the actions of parents, citizens and schools rather than external forces.