Survey Finds HS Students Do Not Understand the Importance of Pearl Harbor

Dec 16, 2024

1 min

Newsday talked to Professor of Education Alan Singer about a recent survey of Long Island high school students that found little more than half knew the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor launched the United States into World War II.

The article said that historians and educators agree the touchstone event must be remembered, honored and learned from.

“While FDR said Dec. 7, 1941, was ‘a date which will live in infamy,’ every generation has a date that will live in infamy,” Dr. Singer said. “When I was in school in the 1960s, World War II was fought by my father’s generation. Now, it is an event related to this generation’s great-grandfathers — and it’s been eclipsed by other events.”

He added that though the New York State Department of Education dedicates just a few paragraphs in the ninth- and 10th-grade social studies curriculum to the World War I-World War II era and just a sentence on Pearl Harbor in the guidelines for 11th- and 12th-graders, teachers must continue to connect the dots between historic touchstones, to explain why Pearl Harbor remains important.

Connect with:

Alan J. Singer

Professor of Teaching, Learning and Technology

Alan Singer specializes in social studies education and United States history.

Social Studies EducationUnited States HistoryHistory of SlaveryTeaching race. ethnicity and class

Find Experts

Apr 21, 2026

1 min

Professor James Sample Provides National Commentary on Voting Rights, Key Supreme Court Cases

Professor James Sample of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University continued to serve as a prominent national commentator this month, appearing across ABC News, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), SiriusXM, and Newsday to analyze fast-moving developments in election law, constitutional doctrine, and executive power. Across these appearances, Professor Sample focused on the evolving legal and practical implications of the SAVE America Act, including its potential burdens on married voters and broader access concerns. He also examined a series of high-stakes Supreme Court matters, including disputes over mail-in ballot deadlines and the constitutional debate surrounding birthright citizenship, offering insight into how the Court’s rulings could reshape election administration and individual rights. In addition, Professor Sample provided analysis of expanding presidential authority following the Court’s immunity ruling, situating current developments within a broader conversation about the scope and limits of executive power.

Apr 16, 2026

1 min

“With Global Antisemitism Rising, ‘Never Again’ Rings Hollow”

Hofstra Professor of Political Science and Director of the European Studies Program Carolyn Dudek wrote a guest essay for Newsday: “With global antisemitism rising, ‘Never Again’ rings hollow.” Dr. Dudek was awarded the 2024 Jean Monnet Chair to expand research, teaching, and course development on the European Union, with a specific focus on EU anti-discrimination policies that address marginalized groups, such as Jews, Muslims, Roma, women, communities of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

Apr 14, 2026

1 min

The Political Ripple of Iran at Home

Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, provided analysis to Newsday on how national political dynamic are shaping the electoral landscape on Long Island ahead of the midterms. In coverage of the ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran, Levy highlighted the political ripple effects of the conflict at home. While the war itself has prompted debate over national security and economic consequences such as rising gas prices, Levy emphasized its electoral implications, noting that voter perceptions of President Trump’s performance are likely to be the dominant factor in upcoming congressional and state races. He pointed out that even though the president will not be on the ballot, his influence will loom large, particularly among swing voters and segments of the Republican base.