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2004 SESSION


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 17
Encouraging Virginia's local school boards to ensure that the values and ideals of Western civilization are taught effectively in the Commonwealth's classrooms.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2004

WHEREAS, the mission of American public schools includes the preparation of students for citizenship through the teaching of the history and civil government of the United States, including the importance of the United States Constitution; and

WHEREAS, this history of our nation, our form of government, and our constitution can be fully understood only in light of their roots in the heritage of Western civilization; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of Western civilization to our national heritage and the world include the concept of individual liberty, the rule of law, democratic institutions, the concept of universal human rights, the development of science and technology, and the importance of religious tolerance; and

WHEREAS, contemporary educational trends often downgrade the teaching of Western civilization and its contributions in favor of a multicultural approach that emphasizes differences among Americans, rather than our common heritage; and

WHEREAS, if young people are not taught to understand and appreciate the values and culture Americans share, the United States will continue to become increasingly vulnerable to social division, mutual distrust, and animosity; and

WHEREAS, if immigrants to the United States do not gain an understanding of our national political and civic institutions, as derived from Western civilization, they will be unable to participate fully and equally in the process of self government; and

WHEREAS, the advent of swifter modes of communication, transportation, and mass migration of people across international borders could balkanize our country unless all citizens recognize a common set of values and purpose that bind us together; and

WHEREAS, this American commonality of values and purpose can be strengthened by widespread appreciation for Western civilization and its accomplishments, namely the establishment of democratic institutions, the rule of law, individual liberty, the concept of universal human rights, the development of science and technology, and the importance of religious tolerance; and

WHEREAS, teaching young people to have an appreciation of Western civilization is central to the development and maintenance of a vibrant, united, and enduring United States polity, culture, and society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the House of Delegates, That Virginia’s local school boards ensure that the values and ideals of Western civilization are taught effectively in the Commonwealth’s classrooms. Local school boards are also encouraged to ensure that all young people who graduate from the high schools of Virginia have an understanding and appreciation of the values and accomplishments of Western civilization; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, requesting that she further disseminate copies of this resolution to each local school board in the Commonwealth so that they may be apprised of the sense of the House of Delegates of Virginia in this matter.