**Crisis in Education: College Students Struggling to Read**
A troubling trend is emerging in America’s higher education system that could have lasting repercussions for the future of our nation.
Many college professors are raising alarms over a surge in students arriving at universities unable to read at even a fundamental level.
As Gen Z enters the classroom, these students are increasingly struggling to process written texts, engage meaningfully with course materials, and meet the basic requirements essential for academic success.
Jessica Hooten Wilson, a humanities professor at Pepperdine University, paints a stark picture of this crisis.
She notes that many students come to class having not completed assigned readings, often forcing instructors to read aloud and painstakingly explain passages word by word.
This dynamic not only lowers educational standards but also significantly impacts the intellectual rigor that has long been a hallmark of American higher education.
The statistics are alarming. Reports indicate that nearly half of adults in the United States did not read a single book in 2025.
For those aged 18 to 29, the average number of books read annually has dropped to a mere 5.8.
Instead of strengthening reading programs and reinforcing foundational skills, universities are adapting their teaching to accommodate these gaps, which signals a deeper systemic failure in K-12 education.
Wilson explains that she has had to alter her teaching methods not out of a desire to lessen expectations but as an attempt to cope with this widespread deficiency in reading skills.
As professors adapt to a generation unprepared for rigorous academic work, the consequences of a complacent approach to education become more evident.
This issue extends beyond the university campus; it is indicative of a broader societal decline rooted in an educational system that has increasingly prioritized political correctness over academic excellence.
If we are to safeguard the future of American education, a renewed focus on accountability and academic rigor is imperative.
It’s essential that both educators and lawmakers commit to addressing this crisis rather than merely rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship.
With leaders like President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance advocating for traditional educational values, there is hope that the American educational landscape can be revitalized to ensure that future generations are equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
The stakes have never been higher, and it’s time for action before the next generation of students faces an even steeper uphill battle.
Sources:
futurism.comslaynews.comearth.com