Professor Josephine Gittler of the University of Iowa College of Law has long championed the need for stronger civic education. Now, through her leadership of the Alliance for Civic Education of Iowa (ACE), she is helping transform that vision into lasting legislative change.

Gittler, who founded ACE, recently helped secure the passage of legislation that makes passing the U.S. citizenship civics test a high school graduation requirement in Iowa. Senate File 269, which passed both chambers of the Iowa Legislature and awaits the governor’s signature, marks a significant step forward in improving civic literacy across the state.

“I think we have a serious problem with civic education,” Gittler said during a recent appearance on Iowa Press on Iowa PBS. “There are multiple recent surveys and polls that show that many American citizens lack the most basic information about the rights and responsibilities of citizens.”

Gittler prepared the original draft of the legislation and led ACE’s advocacy efforts at the State Capitol. The U.S. citizenship test includes basic questions about American government, history, and civic principles—questions such as “What is the supreme law of the land?” and “Who was the first President?”

The new law would take effect during the 2026–27 school year, giving districts time to prepare. Students who do not pass the test on the first try will be allowed to retake it as many times as necessary.

“One of the modern challenges of civic education is for it to address the challenges of misinformation in the media,” Gittler added. “So, I think it’s really important to educate people in that area.”

The legislation aligns with ACE’s broader mission: to assist Iowans in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their duties as informed and responsible citizens. The organization promotes civic education not only in K–12 schools, but also in colleges and universities throughout Iowa.

In addition to legislative advocacy, ACE’s initiatives include a summer fellowship program for civics teachers, the creation of a high school civics competition, and a statewide clearinghouse of resources on civic engagement and education.

Recent national data highlight the urgency of ACE’s mission:

• Only 36% of adults can name all three branches of government.
• 95% cannot name all five First Amendment rights.
• 88% of eighth graders scored below proficient on the national civics assessment.
• A majority of young adults report feeling unprepared to research candidates and vote.
• Two-thirds of young adults say they fear for the future of American democracy.

“By passing this legislation,” Gittler said in ACE’s official press release, “the Iowa Legislature sends a strong message about the critical importance of and need for civic education.”

Through her dual roles as professor of law and civic education advocate, Gittler continues to shape not only the minds of Iowa Law students but also the future of democratic engagement across the state.