Lilly’s Junior High Civics Education Measure Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly’s, D-Chicago, measure to increase knowledge of the workings of government and the importance of civics education among junior high students is now law.

“I want to inspire young people to grow their knowledge of local, state, and national government in order to become more in engaged in their democracy,” Lilly said. “Educating and engaging our students at a younger age on the importance of civic engagement will help them have a better understanding of their rights and how to exercise them.”

Lilly sponsored House Bill 2265 to call for public elementary schools serving sixth, seventh or eighth grade students to include a one-semester course dedicated to civics education in their curriculum. The proposal allows schools to consult with civics education stakeholders, involve service learning and include simulations of the democratic process. This legislation builds on a Lilly-supported law passed in 2016 that requires students in Illinois’ high schools to take one semester of civics education during their studies with the goal of inspiring students to take an interest in the governance and welfare of their communities.

“One of the most important duties I have as a legislator is to help ensure that today’s students are prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders,” Lilly said. “If students have a stronger, clearer understanding of how our government works, it will help better prepare them for their lives outside the classroom and help make them more engaged as citizens.”