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House approves civics-education bill after long debate over wording and local control
Summary
After extended floor debate and a failed amendment to add the word 'democratic,' the Utah House passed HB 220 requiring a more thorough study of forms of government and instruction that students learn the United States is a constitutional republic; the bill passed 57–17 and will go to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 14 approved House Bill 220, the Civics Education Amendments, after more than an hour of debate about how the state should describe and direct instruction on forms of government.
Sponsor Representative Morley said the measure offers a high-level framework so students learn ‘‘our government is, in fact, a constitutional republic’’ and to encourage study of different governments. ‘‘This bill simply creates or asks that in civics education that a study of different governments be conducted,’’ Morley said, adding the intent is a ‘‘30,000 foot overview’’ rather than micromanagement of classroom decisions.
Opponents warned the bill could intrude on local school and teacher discretion. Representative Moss argued the Legislature would be ‘‘micromanaging the curriculum’’ and said such specifics should be handled by teachers, principals and local school boards. ‘‘The place for this to be handled is at the local level,’’ Moss said.
Representative Briscoe moved to insert the adjective ‘‘democratic’’ so the statute would read ‘‘a democratic constitutional republic.’’ Briscoe framed the amendment as consistent with how he teaches comparative government: ‘‘I am in no disagreement whatsoever with the sponsor that we live in a republic. I don't believe these are mutually exclusive terms. ... I am simply trying to describe I believe I live in a democracy and a republic,’’ he said.
Several members opposed the change, saying the existing phrasing is legally and historically precise. Representative Christiansen urged defeat of the amendment, invoking the Pledge of Allegiance and the traditional statutory language that calls the United States a republic. Representative Errant cited the Utah Constitution and the State Board of Education's statutory authority over curriculum and urged reliance on existing law.
The amendment failed on a division vote, 30–42. After additional debate in which backers and opponents reiterated concerns about local control and the proper role of the Legislature, the House approved HB 220, 57–17. The sponsor told the House the bill is intended as direction, not detailed prescription, and cited a state Supreme Court ruling about the Legislature’s authority to make educational laws.
Next steps: HB 220 will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
Sources: Floor debate and roll-call tallies on Feb. 14, 2011.
