H.C.R. 7

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 urges Utah's public elementary and secondary schools to
12 promote character and citizenship education through emphasis on rights, responsibility,
13 and respect.
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 rights, responsibility, and respect 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 rights, responsibility, and respect in Utah's public
37 schools can increase civility and good citizenship among students and spread to siblings,
38 parents, and ultimately the entire community; and
39 WHEREAS, understanding rights, responsibility, and respect can bring greater peace
40 and happiness and help prepare today's students to make a profound impact for good on the
41 future of their communities, the nation, and the world:
42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
43 Governor concurring therein, urge Utah's public schools to provide character and citizenship
44 education that promotes a deep commitment to rights, responsibility, and respect and the
45 essential role these principles play in preserving the peace and happiness of each individual.
46 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah State
47 Board of Education, the Utah State Office of Education, the Utah State Board of Regents, and
48 to each public school and public school district in Utah.




Legislative Review Note
as of 1-17-03 9:25 AM

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

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel