Written by: Katie Linder

As the United States of America marks 250 years since the signing of the “Declaration of Independence,” Iowa Law professor Josephine Gittler, the Wiley B. Rutledge Professor of Law, is on a mission to promote deeper understanding of civics education among young people in Iowa.

“Although the Founding Fathers recognized that civic education and engagement are vital for an informed and active citizenry at the heart of our democratic republic, multiple surveys have revealed that many Americans lack even the most basic knowledge of American government, history, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship,” Gittler explained.

Gittler aims to address this gap through her work and leadership with the Alliance for Civic Education of Iowa (ACE), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization Gittler founded that promotes civic education and engagement, particularly in K–12 schools as well as colleges and universities across the state. Through ACE, Gittler has helped draft and advocate for the passage of two Iowa bills designed to strengthen civics knowledge and engagement among students.

Most recently, on June 1, 2026, Gittler, ACE board members, Senators Lynn Evans and Jesse Green and Representative Samantha Fett attended a bill signing by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for legislation proposed and successfully advocated by ACE. The new law establishes a seal of civics excellence that can be affixed to the diploma or transcript of high school graduates who demonstrate civic knowledge and engagement beyond standard requirements.

“The program established by this legislation is intended to prepare high school students to become informed and active citizens, on whom our democratic republic depends,” Gittler said. “It also signals to colleges and universities, scholarship providers, and employers that a graduate has acquired the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of citizenship.”

In the previous legislative session, Gittler and ACE also helped secure passage of a bill requiring Iowa high school students to pass the U.S. citizenship civics test to graduate. Reynolds signed that measure into law in 2025.

The work continues. The 2026 ACE Summer Fellowship Institute for Iowa social studies teachers—co-sponsored by the College of Law—will be held at the Boyd Law Building from July 16–17, 2026. The institute will offer professional development opportunities for middle and high school educators from across Iowa, with a particular focus on teaching the “Declaration of Independence” and the Revolutionary War.

“The Founding Fathers recognized that civic education and engagement are vital for an informed and active citizenry at the heart of our democratic republic,” Gittler said. Through her work with ACE, she strives to help ensure that vision remains strong for future generations.