With the primary and caucus season beginning today, voters will no doubt have heard candidates’ calls for tuition-free college or easier access to higher education. They have yet to hear those candidates call for education that prepares graduates for informed citizenship. Before considering college without cost, the nation should ensure college is worthwhile as our institutions prepare a new generation of leaders.

We have strayed far from the vision of Thomas Jefferson, who said, “No nation is permitted to live in ignorance with impunity.” If universities, legislators, and the citizenry ignore this crisis, these words will continue to haunt us as we confront the hard truths of American civic illiteracy that can turn democracy to chaos.