House approves bill creating Center for Civic Excellence and new general-education requirements at Utah State University

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House on March 5 passed Senate Bill 334 to establish a Center for Civic Excellence at Utah State University and to require a structured set of general-education courses exploring Western intellectual traditions and American institutions.

Representative Karianne Lisonbee described the proposal as a step “toward restoring the intellectual and civic foundations that sustain a free society.” The bill would require all Utah State University students to complete a structured curriculum of 12 credit hours in Western civilization and humanities and a 3-credit course in American civics, according to the sponsor’s floor remarks.

Representative Carol Moss offered an extended floor statement in support, noting her own academic experience studying great books and diverse global authors and emphasizing faculty-led curriculum development. Moss said the center would be a pilot and that the faculty and deans — not the Legislature — would develop the specific course materials. “What harm could there be in a pilot program if this works,” Moss said, arguing the program supports critical thinking, writing and civil discourse.

Other supporters invoked the founders and the importance of civic education. Representative Mike Peterson quoted George Washington on the importance of educating youth in “the science of government.” After floor debate and a waived summation by the sponsor, the House passed the bill 68 yes, 3 no; the bill will be sent back to the Senate for its president’s signature.

Floor remarks indicated the proposed curriculum would include a range of historical traditions and thinkers; sponsor and supporters emphasized that the center and proposed requirements would be established and administered by university faculty.