S.B. 151
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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill provides for instruction in American history to include a study of religious
10 freedom.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . requires instruction in American history in public schools to include a study of
14 religious freedom granted by the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause
15 of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution;
16 . requires a higher education student to demonstrate a knowledge of religious
17 freedom granted by the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the
18 First Amendment to the United States Constitution, prior to receiving a bachelor's
19 degree or teaching credential; and
20 . makes technical changes.
21 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
22 None
23 Other Special Clauses:
24 None
25 Utah Code Sections Affected:
26 AMENDS:
27 53A-13-101.4 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 298
28 53B-16-103 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 1988, Chapter 137
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30 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
31 Section 1. Section 53A-13-101.4 is amended to read:
32 53A-13-101.4. Instruction in American history and government -- Study and
33 posting of American heritage documents.
34 (1) The Legislature recognizes that a proper understanding of American history and
35 government is essential to good citizenship, and that the public schools are the primary public
36 institutions charged with responsibility for assisting children and youth in gaining that
37 understanding.
38 (2) (a) The State Board of Education and local school boards shall periodically review
39 school curricula and activities to ensure that effective instruction in American history and
40 government is taking place in the public schools.
41 (b) The boards shall solicit public input as part of the review process.
42 (c) Instruction in American history and government shall include a study of:
43 (i) forms of government, such as a republic, a pure democracy, a monarchy, and an
44 oligarchy;
45 (ii) political philosophies and economic systems, such as socialism, individualism, and
46 free market capitalism; [
47 (iii) the United States' form of government, a compound constitutional republic[
48 (iv) religious freedom granted by the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise
49 Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
50 (3) School curricula and activities shall include a thorough study of historical
51 documents such as:
52 (a) the Declaration of Independence;
53 (b) the United States Constitution;
54 (c) the national motto;
55 (d) the pledge of allegiance;
56 (e) the national anthem;
57 (f) the Mayflower Compact;
58 (g) the writings, speeches, documents, and proclamations of the Founders and the
59 Presidents of the United States;
60 (h) organic documents from the pre-Colonial, Colonial, Revolutionary, Federalist, and
61 post Federalist eras;
62 (i) United States Supreme Court decisions;
63 (j) Acts of the United States Congress, including the published text of the
64 Congressional Record; and
65 (k) United States treaties.
66 (4) To increase student understanding of, and familiarity with, American historical
67 documents, public schools may display historically important excerpts from, or copies of, those
68 documents in school classrooms and common areas as appropriate.
69 (5) There shall be no content-based censorship of American history and heritage
70 documents referred to in this section due to their religious or cultural nature.
71 (6) Public schools shall display "In God we trust," which is declared in 36 U.S.C. 302
72 to be the national motto of the United States, in one or more prominent places within each
73 school building.
74 Section 2. Section 53B-16-103 is amended to read:
75 53B-16-103. Granting of degrees, diplomas, or certification -- Board approval --
76 Termination of previous approval.
77 (1) (a) An institution of higher education may not issue a degree, diploma, or certificate
78 unless it first receives approval from the board of the adequacy of the study for which the
79 degree, diploma, or certificate is offered.
80 (b) A student shall demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the history, principles,
81 form of government, and economic system of the United States, including religious freedom
82 granted by the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment to
83 the United States Constitution, prior to receiving a bachelor's degree or teaching credential.
84 (2) Degrees, diplomas, and certificates issued prior to the effective date of this chapter
85 do not require board approval.
86 (3) The board may terminate the granting of previously approved degrees, diplomas,
87 and certificates if they are inconsistent with the role prescribed by the board for the affected
88 institution.
Legislative Review Note
as of 1-27-14 2:09 PM