Florida universities don’t require U.S. history course

The famed words of philosopher George Santayana may turn into a new reality in Florida.

“Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness … ,” Santayana said. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

But how can we progress if we don’t require college students to learn U.S. history? A new report from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni on Florida’s university system offered a positive assessment. But it questioned several aspects, including the lack of a required U.S. history course in all but one university, noting that “…Too many students will leave college with a limited understanding of how to participate effectively in the free institutions of our nation.”

If we want greater voter turnout and better candidates, let’s increase the emphasis on history and civics throughout the educational system.

Speaking of higher education, a salute to the late Gwendolyn Stephenson, the former Hillsborough Community College president who passed away last week after a battle with cancer. Stephenson’s legacy will live on because she reversed the trends at the once-struggling community college with class. …

Seen on a bumper sticker: When In Doubt, I Like To Err On The Side Of Awesome. …

Lots of talk about Amazon’s proposed facility landing in Ruskin, but don’t rule out Winter Haven, a location reportedly being pushed by CSX. …

The Pinellas Urban League holds its Equal Opportunity Day Gala on Friday at the Vinoy. Call (727) 327-3568 for tickets. …

I’m more interested in how Dr. Stephen Klasko runs USF Health than how he runs marathons. I’m glad he’s staying put.

That’s all I’m saying.