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Comments on The Bradley Project Report

David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian:

“This is the clearest, most powerful summons yet, TO ALL OF US, to restore the American story to its rightful, vital place in American life and in how we educate our children. It couldn't be more timely and important.”

Walter A. McDougall, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and professor of diplomatic history at the University of Pennsylvania:

“An eloquent, unabashed defense of America’s intellectual, civic, and moral identity that deserves wide circulation, especially among American youth.”

Harry Lewis, former Dean, Harvard College:

“A stirring reminder that America is more than the union of our differences, and a rational program for preserving the nation by passing American ideals on to the next generation of citizens.”

Amy A. Kass, Senior Lecturer, University of Chicago:

“The Bradley Project’s report, E Pluribus Unum, addresses the urgent problem of American identity in our global and multicultural age, and its wise recommendations for promoting civic consciousness and civic understanding couldn’t be more timely or more fitting.  At stake is the future well-being not only of our national idenity and common public life—our unum—but also of the many subcultures within American society itself—our pluribus.”

Sandra Stotsky, professor, University of Arkansas:

“The need to invigorate all young Americans’ sense of national identity cannot be stressed strongly enough.  When a large majority of states fail to specify in their standards that informed and responsible participation in this country’s civic culture is the goal of the public school curriculum, we are in serious danger of becoming the Disunited States of America.”

Lionel Chetwynd, motion picture and television producer:

“It is my sincere hope that the report when published will have a significant impact on the national conversation and, if you will, enter the bloodstream of our consciousness whenever we deal with issues of self-definition.”

James C. Rees, Executive Director, Mount Vernon:

“This report confirms what we experience at Mount Vernon every day – that most Americans know precious little about their own history.  George Washington’s face is still familiar to most Americans, because we see it each day on the dollar bill.  But when asked about Washington’s character and leadership, which made all the difference in the world to the founding of our nation, the average citizen is rendered speechless.”