The following is a statement prepared and delivered by Christine Cooke, education policy fellow at Sutherland Institute, to the Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 10, 2020.

Members of the Utah House of Representatives,

A core purpose of education is to create an informed citizenry that can preserve the republic of the United States of America. Unfortunately, declines in Utah civic understanding and engagement show that our state is not achieving this objective adequately. 

Legitimate concerns with regard to Utah’s current approach to civics education – including a civics test requirement for high school graduation – suggest that the best policy is for policymakers to conduct an in-depth, comprehensive study of history and civics education in the state before making significant changes.

Sutherland Institute recommends that HB 152 (Civic Education Testing Requirement) – which would repeal the civics test graduation requirement – instead create an interim study topic delving into history and civics education, which is what 1st Substitute HB 152 would accomplish. The study should continue to identify the problems Utah is facing, outline our state’s goals, and offer space for innovative ideas in civics education.

We encourage you to support replacing HB 152 with 1st Substitute HB 152.