H.J.R. 23

1

RESOLUTION PROMOTING CHARACTER AND
2 CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
3 2002 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Sponsor: Karen W. Morgan
6 This joint resolution urges Utah's public elementary and secondary schools to promote
7 character and citizenship education through emphasis on rights, responsibility, and respect.
8 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
9 WHEREAS, never before in the history of the United States and the world has there been
10 a greater need to nurture and teach youth as they develop their notions of character and citizenship;
11 WHEREAS, schools can play a crucial role in facing the increasing challenge of finding
12 common ground among those of differing cultures and attitudes;
13 WHEREAS, during this time of turmoil, the importance of a student's grasp of the concepts
14 of rights, responsibility, and respect cannot be underestimated;
15 WHEREAS, the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment enable Americans to find
16 common ground for living respectfully and civilly with one another in the midst of diverse
17 opinions;
18 WHEREAS, rights, including religious liberty and freedom of conscience, are basic,
19 inalienable, and founded on the inviolable dignity of each person;
20 WHEREAS, character and citizenship education should emphasize that each individual is
21 responsible to respect the rights of others and their freedom of conscience;
22 WHEREAS, students should understand that respecting others is crucial, that debate and
23 disagreement are vital in a democracy, and that individuals and groups must resolve their
24 differences and learn to live cordially with those who do not agree;
25 WHEREAS, respect demands that the manner in which issues are debated is just as
26 important as the topic of dialogue, and that the heart of good citizenship is a strong commitment
27 to the civic values that enable people to find common ground and treat one another with civility

28 and respect in spite of deep differences;
29 WHEREAS, the promotion of rights, responsibility, and respect in Utah's public schools
30 can increase civility and good citizenship among students and spread to siblings, parents, and
31 ultimately the entire community; and
32 WHEREAS, understanding rights, responsibility, and respect can bring greater peace and
33 happiness and help prepare today's students to make a profound impact for good on the future of
34 their communities, the nation, and the world:
35 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah urges
36 Utah's public schools to provide character and citizenship education that promotes a deep
37 commitment to rights, responsibility, and respect and the essential role these principles play in
38 preserving the peace and happiness of each individual.
39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah State
40 Board of Education, the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah State Board of Regents, and to
41 each public school district in Utah.




Legislative Review Note
as of 1-4-02 8:01 AM

A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel