Stephen Colbert welcomed Duke President Richard Brodhead who lamented the lack of emphasis on Arts and Humanities in the education system.  Brodhead co-chairs the Commission on the Humanities and Social Sciences.  Their mission statement is as follows:

As we strive to create a more civil public discourse, a more adaptable and creative workforce, and a more secure nation, the humanities and social sciences are the heart of the matter, the keeper of the republic—a source of national memory and civic vigor, cultural understanding and communication, individual fulfillment and the ideals we hold in common. They are critical to a democratic society and they require our support.

The commission has authored a report “The Heart of the Matter” which reports:

• Less than a quarter of 8th and 12th grade students are proficient in reading, writing, and civics.
• Three out of four employers want schools to place more emphasis on the skills that the humanities and social sciences teach: critical thinking and complex problem-solving, as well as written and oral communication.
• Federal funding for international training and education has been cut by 41 percent in four years.

For more information, please visit: http://www.humanitiescommission.org/default.aspx where you can download the report and obtain further information on the commission’s endeavours. 

Report: