Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF322

Introduced
2/17/25  

Caption

A bill for an act establishing completion of a course on American history and civil government as a requirement for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.

Impact

The introduction of SF322 signifies a legislative push towards enhancing civic knowledge among college students, aiming to better equip graduates with an understanding of their government and democratic principles. By requiring the integration of civics education into higher education curricula, Iowa intends to foster an informed citizenry that recognizes the importance of civic engagement and participation in governance. This requirement also fulfills general education credit criteria, potentially streamlining the educational process for students in public institutions.

Summary

Senate File 322, known as the Increasing Civics Proficiency in Higher Education Act, mandates that all public institutions of higher education in Iowa require students to complete a survey course in American history and civil government as part of their baccalaureate degree programs. This requirement is set to take effect starting from the academic year 2027. The bill outlines specific subjects and foundational documents that must be studied, including the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and various other historical texts that reflect the principles and development of the American republican government.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the scope and content of the course defined by the bill. Critics could raise concerns about the potential for a biased narrative in the teaching of American history or the selection of founding documents, advocating for a curriculum that encompasses a broader range of perspectives. Additionally, the requirement may face scrutiny regarding the resources available at public institutions to effectively implement such a course without straining existing educational frameworks or budgets.

Companion Bills

IA HF402

Similar To A bill for an act establishing completion of a course on American history and civil government as a requirement for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.(Formerly HSB 56.)

IA HSB56

Related A bill for an act establishing completion of a course on American history and civil government as a requirement for the completion of a baccalaureate degree program at a public institution of higher education.(See HF 402.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2330

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents.(See HF 2544.)

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

IA HF2558

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including by modifying the responsibilities of private institutions of higher education, community colleges, the state board of regents, and institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, modifying provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, tuition, and administrator hiring at state universities, membership of the state board of regents, and student-employer work and tuition programs at state universities and community colleges, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2327.)

IA SF81

A bill for an act relating to racism or sexism trainings at, and diversity and inclusion efforts by, governmental agencies and entities, school districts, and public postsecondary educational institutions, and including civil penalties.

IA HF182

A bill for an act relating to institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the institutions to submit reports to the general assembly related to terms associated with courses offered by the institutions' colleges of education and establishing an interim study committee to evaluate practitioner preparation programs offered by the institutions, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 7.)

IA HF7

A bill for an act relating to institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, including requiring the institutions to submit reports to the general assembly related to terms associated with courses offered by the institutions' colleges of education and establishing an interim study committee to evaluate practitioner preparation programs offered by the institutions, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 182.)

IA SF58

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(See SF 252.)

IA SF252

A bill for an act relating to students who are pregnant or who recently gave birth who attend state institutions of higher education governed by the board of regents and community colleges.(Formerly SF 58.)

IA HF2545

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring the director of the department of education to review the state's high school graduation requirements, core curriculum, core content standards, and educational standards, requiring the state board of education to review and revise the state's social studies standards, requiring that the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools in grades seven and eight include instruction related to civics, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HF 2329.) Effective date: 05/15/2024, 07/01/2024.

IA HF4

A bill for an act modifying requirements related to teacher intern license programs and licenses and authorizations issued by the board of educational examiners and establishing a temporary initial teaching license to be issued by the board of educational examiners to applicants who complete an alternative teacher certification program.(See HF 255.)

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