H.C.R. 7 Enrolled

RESOLUTION PROMOTING CHARACTER AND
CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
2003 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Karen W. Morgan

Judy Ann Buffmire
LaVar Christensen
Brent H. Goodfellow
James R. Gowans
Ann W. HardyBradley T. Johnson
Patricia W. Jones
Brad King
Ty McCartneyCarol Spackman Moss
Joseph G. Murray
LaWanna Lou Shurtliff
Michael R. Styler This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor urges Utah's public
elementary and secondary schools to promote character and citizenship education
through an emphasis on teaching civic responsibility and respect for others.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS, never before in the history of the United States and the world has there
been a greater need to nurture and teach youth as they develop strong individual character and
become good citizens;
WHEREAS, schools can play a crucial role in facing the increasing challenge of finding
common ground among those of differing cultures and attitudes;
WHEREAS, during this time of turmoil, the importance of a student's grasp of the
concepts of civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others cannot be underestimated;
WHEREAS, the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment enable Americans to
find common ground for living respectfully and civilly with one another in the midst of diverse
opinions;
WHEREAS, rights, including religious liberty and constitutional freedoms, are basic,
inalienable, and founded on the inviolable dignity of each person;
WHEREAS, character and citizenship education should emphasize that each individual
is responsible to respect the rights of others and their constitutional freedoms;
WHEREAS, students should understand that respecting others is crucial, that debate
and disagreement are vital in a democracy, and that individuals and groups must resolve their

differences and learn to live cordially with those who do not agree;
WHEREAS, respect demands that the manner in which issues are debated is just as
important as the topic of dialogue, and that the heart of good citizenship is a strong commitment
to the civic values that enable people to find common ground and treat one another with civility
and respect in spite of deep differences;
WHEREAS, the promotion of civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others in
Utah's public schools can increase civility and good citizenship among students and spread to
siblings, parents, and ultimately the entire community;
WHEREAS, a group of prominent Utah citizens gathered together in May of 2001 to
form the "Alliance for Unity" in an effort to increase the level of respect and understanding
among the diverse citizens of Utah; and
WHEREAS, promoting civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others can bring
greater peace and happiness and help prepare today's students to make a profound impact for
good on the future of their communities, the nation, and the world:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
Governor concurring therein, urge Utah's public schools to provide character and citizenship
education that promotes civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others, and to recognize
the essential role these principles play in preserving the peace and happiness of each individual.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor recognize those
Utah schools and education leaders whose teaching and practicing of civic responsibility and
respect for the rights of others has brought honor and distinction to the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah State
Board of Education, the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah State Parent-Teacher
Association, and to each public school district and public elementary and secondary school in
Utah.

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