This information is prepared as an informational service only and should not be relied upon as an official record of action taken by the Colorado General Assembly.
Second Regular Session
Sixty-first General Assembly
LLS NO. 980505.01 JAP
SENATE BILL 98009
STATE OF COLORADO
REENGROSSED
BY SENATOR Duke;
also REPRESENTATIVE Owen.
EDUCATION
A BILL FOR AN ACT
CONCERNING INCLUDING IN THE TEACHING OF UNITED STATES
HISTORY CERTAIN PRERECONSTRUCTIONERA DOCUMENTS THAT
ESTABLISH THE PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced
and does not necessarily reflect any amendments that may be subsequently
adopted.)
Recognizes the importance of teaching American history.
Specifies the documents that students should be taught, at a
minimum, in the course of learning American history and civil
government.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. 221104, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
221104. Teaching of history, culture, and civil government. (1) THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY FINDS THAT THE PRINCIPLES OF A CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC AS ESTABLISHED BY OUR NATION'S FOUNDERS GAVE BIRTH TO A NATION THAT BECAME THE CENTER OF FREEDOM AND LIBERTY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS THAT A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THESE PRINCIPLES IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE A FUTURE DIRECTION FOR OUR NATIONAL POLICY THAT DOES NOT ENDANGER PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THEREFORE CONCLUDES THAT, IN ORDER TO SECURE OUR FREEDOMS AND PROTECTIONS AND TO ENSURE A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF OUR COUNTRY'S PRINCIPLES AND A LASTING PRIDE IN OUR HERITAGE, STUDENTS SHOULD STUDY AND UNDERSTAND THE WRITINGS AND ACTIONS OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR, DIED FOR, FOUNDED, AND NURTURED THIS COUNTRY. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY DECLARES THAT DEVELOPING IN STUDENTS AN UNDERSTANDING OF AND APPRECIATION FOR THE COURAGE, DEDICATION, INTELLIGENCE, AND FORESIGHT SHOWN BY THE GREAT FIGURES OF AMERICAN HISTORY WILL EMPOWER STUDENTS TO EMULATE THESE QUALITIES AND WILL PROVIDE NEEDED ROLE MODELS FOR THEM TO FOLLOW IN THEIR PRIVATE AND CIVIC LIVES. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUGGESTS THAT EVERY EFFORT BE MADE TO PRESENT THE INFORMATION REGARDING THESE EVENTS, DOCUMENTS, AND PEOPLE OBJECTIVELY AND AS COMPLETELY AS PRACTICAL. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THEREFORE DECLARES THAT THE SUBJECTS AND DOCUMENTS SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION ARE CRITICAL TO THE EDUCATION OF STUDENTS IN THIS STATE.
(1) (2) The
history and civil government of the state of Colorado shall be
taught in all the public schools of this state.
(2) (3) (a) In
addition, the history and civil government of the United States,
including the history, culture, and contributions of minorities,
including, but not limited to, the Spanish Americans and the American
Negroes, shall be taught in all the public schools of the state.
(b) IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING THE HISTORY AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, ALL STUDENTS SHOULD BE TAUGHT, AT A MINIMUM, THE FOLLOWING:
(I) THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE;
(II) THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, INCLUDING THE BILL OF RIGHTS;
(III) THE FEDERALIST PAPERS AND THE ANTIFEDERALIST PAPERS;
(IV) THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION;
(V) THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS; AND
(VI) GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS.
SECTION 2. Safety
clause. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and
declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation
of the public peace, health, and safety.