A concerning trend is emerging among younger Americans: a growing acceptance of government surveillance and limitations on free speech, jeopardizing the very foundations of the United States. A recent CATO Institute study revealed that a surprising one-third of Gen Z supports government-installed surveillance cameras in homes, a figure that decreases significantly with age. This raises alarms about the future of individual liberty in a nation founded on the principles of freedom.

A key factor contributing to this shift is the failure of the education system to adequately teach American history, civics, and the core values that underpin the nation's identity. The latest NAEP assessment paints a bleak picture, with only 13% of students proficient in American history and 22% in civics. This lack of knowledge leaves young people vulnerable to accepting policies that infringe upon their rights, mistaking comfort and security for true freedom.

The consequences of this educational deficiency are manifest in several alarming trends on college campuses. "Free speech zones" confine fundamental liberties to designated areas, a concept diametrically opposed to the First Amendment. Bias reporting systems, often based on subjective perceptions of offense rather than actual discrimination, further erode free speech principles. These developments highlight a growing disconnect between younger generations and the values that have historically defined American society.

Rectifying this situation requires a concerted effort to revitalize the education system. Reincorporating robust American history and civics curricula in K-12 education is crucial. High schools should mandate separate courses in American history and civics, ensuring students understand the nation's founding, its constitutional framework, and the importance of individual rights and responsibilities. Furthermore, policies that restrict free speech on college campuses, such as free speech zones and bias reporting systems, must be challenged and dismantled.

The increasing acceptance of government surveillance among young Americans is a wake-up call. Without immediate action to strengthen civic education and protect fundamental freedoms, the future of American liberty hangs in the balance. It is time to empower the next generation with the knowledge and values necessary to defend their rights and preserve the principles upon which the United States was built.