Press Statement
For Immediate Release: 9.17.25
Contact: Peyton Drew, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
First Liberty Institute Partners with America First Policy Institute and the U.S. Department of Education to Launch America 250 Civics Education Coalition
Over 40 national and state organizations, including Turning Point USA and Hillsdale College, partner to lead patriotic and civic revitalization.
Washington, D.C.—Today, First Liberty President, CEO, and Chief Counsel Kelly Shackelford joined the U.S. Department of Education (DoED), the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), and 40 more national and state-based organizations to announce the launch of the America 250 Civics Education Coalition.
The Coalition’s purpose is to renew patriotism, strengthen civic literacy, and inspire Americans of all ages to understand and cherish our founding principles as the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in July 2026. This landmark initiative is dedicated to reviving patriotism, strengthening civic knowledge, and advancing a shared understanding of America’s founding principles in schools across the nation. The motto of the coalition is: “Know America. Love America.”
“The key to our country’s future is citizens educated to know their freedoms. Those who do not know their freedoms will have them taken away,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel at First Liberty. “Many have no idea that religious freedom is our ‘first freedom;’ if you lose that, you will lose all of your freedoms.”
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon addressed the Coalition saying, “As America approaches 250 years since its founding, we are proud to announce this coalition to ensure every young American understands the beauty of our nation and is equipped with the civic knowledge required to contribute meaningfully to its future.”
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact Peyton Drew at media@firstliberty.org.
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