Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children

May 16, 2025


 
 

This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, limits the use of smart devices in school, and much more.

I am a proud co-sponsor of House Bill 7009, which is three years in the making. In 2024, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation creating a task force to study and develop strategies to improve and promote civic engagement and instruction on civics, citizenship, media literacy, and American Governments. House Bill 7009 is a culmination of the recommendations from that bipartisan task force.
This bill represents our commitment to civics education among our children.

The proposal establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.

This seal is for students who demonstrate civic engagement in school, through the completion of classes and assessments, and outside of the classroom by participating in community service, student government, and more. 

This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community.

The bill also establishes new standards for school crisis response drills to continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs. While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

Other key aspects of HB 7009 include:

  • Limiting the use of smart devices in school
  • Addressing antisemitism in schools
  • Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
  • Allowing districts to decide whether to allow children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early
  • Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
  • Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.

The bill is important because it encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health, and I am proud to cast my vote in support. It now moves to the State Senate for approval.