CHICAGO – Middle school students will be required to study civics as part of their course work under a new law passed by State Senator Jacqueline Collins that takes effect today.

“Current events teach us the importance and impact of civic engagement at every age,” Collins said. “In the malicious action and shameful inaction of our current president, we are given daily reminders that to be a society ruled by laws, not men, we must be vigilant and active. That starts with education about our system of government and our own responsibility to it.”

Under the new law, Illinois schools will be required to include civics courses in their curricula for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders.

The measure was House Bill 2265, which passed the General Assembly last May and was signed into law the following August.