Second Substitute H.C.R. 7

Representative Karen W. Morgan proposes the following substitute bill:

1 RESOLUTION PROMOTING CHARACTER AND
2 CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
3 2003 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Sponsor: Karen W. Morgan
6 Judy Ann Buffmire
7 Brent H. Goodfellow
8 James R. Gowans
9 Ann W. Hardy
10 Bradley T. JohnsonPatricia W. Jones
Brad King
Ty McCartney
Carol Spackman MossJoseph G. Murray
Brent D. Parker
LaWanna Lou Shurtliff
Michael R. Styler 11 This concurrent resolution of the Legislature and the Governor urges Utah's public
12 elementary and secondary schools to promote character and citizenship education
13 through an emphasis on teaching civic responsibility and respect for others.
14 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
15 WHEREAS, never before in the history of the United States and the world has there
16 been a greater need to nurture and teach youth as they develop their notions of character and
17 citizenship;
18 WHEREAS, schools can play a crucial role in facing the increasing challenge of finding
19 common ground among those of differing cultures and attitudes;
20 WHEREAS, during this time of turmoil, the importance of a student's grasp of the
21 concepts of civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others cannot be underestimated;
22 WHEREAS, the religious liberty clauses of the First Amendment enable Americans to
23 find common ground for living respectfully and civilly with one another in the midst of diverse
24 opinions;
25 WHEREAS, rights, including religious liberty and freedom of conscience, are basic,
26 inalienable, and founded on the inviolable dignity of each person;

27 WHEREAS, character and citizenship education should emphasize that each individual
28 is responsible to respect the rights of others and their freedom of conscience;
29 WHEREAS, students should understand that respecting others is crucial, that debate
30 and disagreement are vital in a democracy, and that individuals and groups must resolve their
31 differences and learn to live cordially with those who do not agree;
32 WHEREAS, respect demands that the manner in which issues are debated is just as
33 important as the topic of dialogue, and that the heart of good citizenship is a strong
34 commitment to the civic values that enable people to find common ground and treat one
35 another with civility and respect in spite of deep differences;
36 WHEREAS, the promotion of civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others in
37 Utah's public schools can increase civility and good citizenship among students and spread to
38 siblings, parents, and ultimately the entire community;
39 WHEREAS, a group of prominent Utah citizens gathered together in May of 2001 to
40 form the "Alliance for Unity" in an effort to increase the level of respect and understanding
41 among the diverse citizens of Utah; and
42 WHEREAS, promoting civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others can
43 bring greater peace and happiness and help prepare today's students to make a profound impact
44 for good on the future of their communities, the nation, and the world:
45 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
46 Governor concurring therein, urge Utah's public schools to provide character and citizenship
47 education that promotes civic responsibility and respect for the rights of others, and to
48 recognize the essential role these principles play in preserving the peace and happiness of each
49 individual.
50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor recognize those
51 Utah schools and education leaders whose teaching and practicing of civic responsibility and
52 respect for the rights of others has brought honor and distinction to the state.
53 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah State
54 Board of Education, the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah State Parent-Teacher
55 Association, and to each public school district and public elementary and secondary school in
56 Utah.

*HCR007S2*