In a time of proliferating distrust and political polarization, the Institute of American Civics presents a remarkable opportunity to address these challenges, beginning with undergraduates on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus and then extending more broadly to the entire UT system and to the State of Tennessee as a whole. The institute is committed to improving civic knowledge and civil discourse through courses, student programs, public events, and k-12 outreach.

With a strong bipartisan backing, the 112th Tennessee General Assembly created the Institute of American Civics to strengthen civic education and participation while reviving thoughtfulness, civility and respect for opposing viewpoints in national discourse.