Sens. Coons, Cornyn introduce legislation to promote civics education

Statement

In time to commemorate the country's independence, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Tex.) have introduced legislation to reauthorize and modernize an American history and civics grant program under the Higher Education Act.

The USA Civics Act would authorize grants to colleges or university-nonprofit partnerships that promote knowledge of American political thought and history, free institutions, democracy, or means of participation in political and civic life. Funds must be used to support centers or programs pursuing that work, teacher preparation initiatives aligned to those topics, and other outreach activities. Grants from the USA Civics Act could also be used to partner with nonprofit organizations or government humanities programs, develop open educational resources, or pursue other activities consistent with the purposes of the bill. The modernized text also ensures that researchers and educators funded through the grant have the academic freedom necessary to the robust study of American history and political life.

"Civic engagement lies at the heart of our democratic process," said Senator Coons. "We are living in one of the most polarized chapters of our country's history, which makes it more important than ever to offer our future leaders robust opportunities to deepen both their knowledge of our institutions and their skills in participating in democratic discourse and advocacy. I am proud to partner with Senator Cornyn on this bipartisan effort to support scholarship on civics, the preparation of civics educators, and the training of a new generation of active citizens."

"Learning about America's rich history and what makes our political process unique is essential to preserving democracy," said Senator Cornyn. "This legislation would promote civics education in schools and universities and support teachers as they inspire young Texans to be engaged citizens."

The USA Civics Act has been endorsed by the American Council on Education and the Center for Civic Education.

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