The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE CIVICS LEARNING ACT OF 2021
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HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Civics Learning Act of 2021, a bill that aims to promote democratic ideals by ensuring that young Americans receive a strong civics education.
On January 6, 2021, our country witnessed an armed insurrection on this sacred ground. This insurrection was fueled by lies and conspiracy theories that were allowed to take hold in too many minds of our fellow Americans because they have not come to understand even the most basic parameters of our democratic republic. Disturbingly, an Annenberg Public Policy Center poll conducted in 2018 found that only 32 percent of American adults could name all three branches of government. In 2017, only 37 percent of Americans surveyed could name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. The failure to establish an extensive understanding of American democratic principles begins in grade school: In 2014, only 23 percent of eighth graders performed at or above the proficient level on the National Assessment of Educational Progress civics exam. This lack of civic awareness leads to an unstable bedrock for our democracy, which requires widespread knowledge of American government for it to function properly.
This is why I have introduced the Civics Learning Act of 2021, which increases funding for innovative and evidence-based civics learning and teaching programs, including hands-on civic engagement activities, online and video game-based learning, service learning, and participation in student governance. Recognizing that most civics programs focus on high school teachers and students, this bill would ensure funding for elementary, middle, and high school programs to create a strong foundation for civic knowledge. In addition, this bill would prioritize funding for high-need schools, underserved populations, and low-access areas such as rural or inner-city communities. With this focus, the bill can inspire the participation of marginalized communities and better integrate them into American democracy.
Madam Speaker, it is my sincere hope this body will expeditiously pass this measure. Doing so will reaffirm America's commitment to civics education, fostering a more informed citizenship that will only strengthen our democracy.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 12
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