The Hon. Sandra Day O'Connor, Associate Justice (Retired), Supreme Court of the United States discussed the importance of civics and its role in a vibrant democracy on March 3, 2014 at a program presented by Town Hall Los Angeles and the Jonathan Club. Justice O'Connor founded iCivics after retiring from the bench to reinvigorate civic learning and develop knowledgeable and empowered citizens through interactive and engaging learning resources. An "old cowgirl who's gotten involved in video games," Justice O'Connor described the importance of educating students in civics today to prevent civic disengagement down the road.
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"This absence of civic knowledge leads directly to civic disengagement. If they don't know how it works, how are they going to be engaged in it? About one-half of 14 year olds identify their own political attitude as indifferent, disaffected, or alienated. Now, how's that? We can do better. The truth is that our nation's schools are failing to teach our young people the essential skills of citizenship. They really aren't doing it, and neither are we as parents. Today, civic education is no longer a staple of every student's education. In too many schools, it's considered an elective rather than an essential part of the academic mission."

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To read her speech in its entirety, please click here.