HISTORY: Students should know it

Eight years ago, I began a quest to have Idaho require that all high school students take and pass a course in the history of Western civilization. Thanks to a partnership with financial analyst Les Atchley, the idea survived years of stasis. I am happy to report that Idaho Sen. Ben Toews, Rep. Joe Alfieri, the Idaho Freedom Foundation and leaders within the Idaho Department of Education are now making a significant step toward achieving this goal. This new course, “Western Civilization, Grades 9-12,” is designed to teach students who we are as a society. Students will explore what is distinct about our Western identity. What makes the West the only human society to industrialize, conquer the world, go to the moon and develop the internet? What makes the West unique in developing concepts of inalienable human rights in societies where citizens exercise these rights? Precisely where do the ideals of our Founding Fathers come from? Why are free speech, freedom of religion and the right to defend these rights so critical to preserve any ongoing freedom? It is well past time for the rising generation of Idaho students to be properly introduced to their own shared cultural identity.

RALPH K. GINORIO

Coeur d’Alene