Michigan House Bill HB4672

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/25/23
• Refer: 5/25/23

Caption

Education: curriculum; requirement for schools to offer instruction on Christian foundations of United States history; provide for. Amends sec. 1166 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1166) & adds sec. 1166c.

Impact

The bill also introduces a specific requirement for high school students to complete a one-semester civics course, which must encompass the operations of government at various levels and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Notably, a high school diploma cannot be issued unless the student has successfully completed this course, reinforcing the importance of civics education in the state's educational framework. However, it is important to note that this requirement does not apply to students who have enlisted or been inducted into military service.

Summary

House Bill 4672 aims to amend the Revised School Code in Michigan by introducing new requirements for civics education in public and nonpublic schools. The bill mandates that a regular course of instruction must be delivered on the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Michigan, and the forms of government at federal, state, and local levels. This instruction is required to begin no later than the eighth grade, ensuring that students have foundational knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Contention

One of the more controversial aspects of the bill is Section 1166c, which requires that the Christian foundations of the United States are incorporated into the United States history and civics courses. This requirement has sparked debate among educators and policymakers regarding the separation of church and state, as well as the implications of teaching religious perspectives in public education. Critics may argue that this could lead to potential bias in the curriculum and an undermining of secular educational norms, while proponents might defend it as a necessary acknowledgment of the historical influences on American governance.