Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green of the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), together with Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and Patrick A. Guida, President of the Rhode Island Bar Association (RIBA), hosted an event at the Rhode Island State House to highlight civics and law-related education initiatives for schools across the state. The event featured Rhode Island Supreme Court Associate Justice Melissa A. Long.
State officials gathered with local school leaders to emphasize RIBA’s Law Related Education (LRE) Programs, which are often conducted in partnership with the Rhode Island Judiciary. These programs aim to improve understanding of legal principles, the Constitution, and civic engagement among students. Key initiatives include Law Day—an annual statewide event—and Constitution Day, set for November 14, 2025.
"A strong democracy depends on an informed public, and that education begins in our classrooms," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "Our partnership with the Rhode Island Bar Association and the Secretary of State reflects our commitment to ensuring every student in Rhode Island has the opportunity to engage with legal professionals and become civically involved. By exposing our students to these opportunities and experiences, we can better prepare them to make a difference in their communities and our state."
Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore added: "As Secretary of State, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to prioritize civic education. Our office engages students across Rhode Island through the Rhode Island Civic Leadership Program — an immersive, year-long nonpartisan program that aims to build an informed electorate and engaged citizenry. Partnering with the Rhode Island Bar Association on their civic education initiatives bolsters our commitment to civics."
Patrick A. Guida is leading a campaign as RIBA President to raise awareness about these LRE programs statewide, supported by outreach from RIDE and the Secretary of State's Office.
"As Bar Association President, I am deeply committed to expanding our Law Related Education programs and strengthening partnerships that bring civics to life for students," said Patrick A. Guida. "With the support of our Judiciary, RIDE, and the Office of the Secretary of State, we are helping students understand how the law shapes our communities and why civic participation matters. Together, we’re building stronger connections between Rhode Island’s legal community and the next generation of civic leaders."
The free LRE programs offered by RIBA throughout the year connect students with volunteer attorneys for discussions on legal topics and civic involvement.
The highlighted programs include:
- Law Day: An annual May event where judges and attorneys visit classrooms statewide.
- Constitution Day: Held each fall; this year’s session is scheduled for November 14.
- Lawyers in the Classroom: Attorneys support lessons on law or government throughout middle and high schools.
- Storytime with Lawyers: Civics-themed readings for elementary students during school year.
- Shadow a Lawyer: High schoolers spend a day learning about legal careers.
- Speakers Bureau: Free legal presentations available for community groups.
For more information or program requests, contact Allison Baker at abaker@ribar.com or visit ribar.com.
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