University History Departments Already Fulfilling Civic Education Roles, Opinion Piece Argues
An opinion piece from Salt Lake City argues that university history departments, like those at the University of Utah, are already effectively teaching students about the nation's founding. The author highlights upcoming events at the University of Utah, including a…
Salt Lake City, UT, November 11, 2026 —
An opinion piece published in Salt Lake City asserts that university history departments are effectively fulfilling the role of civic education, particularly concerning the nation’s founding principles. The argument, referencing institutions like the University of Utah, suggests that existing academic structures are already engaged in robust teaching and scholarship on these subjects.
The author points to specific upcoming events at the University of Utah as evidence of ongoing civic education efforts. These include a planned public lecture by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a student research symposium focused on the American Revolution. These events are presented as examples of how the university’s history department actively contributes to understanding foundational American history and civic concepts.
The commentary also addresses the recent establishment of a new entity, identified as a Center for Civic Excellence. The piece questions the necessity and approach of this new center, particularly in relation to its potential overlap or impact on the established programs and work already being conducted by university history departments. The author’s perspective suggests a focus on evaluating the added value and methodology of such new initiatives when existing departments are seen as adequately serving the educational needs in this area.
Story summarized from the original created by Eric Herschthal on www.deseret.com, see more information here.
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