Reinforcing College Education on America's Constitutional Heritage (REACH) Act; create.
Impact
The REACH Act will fundamentally alter the curriculum requirements for all institutions of higher education in Mississippi, as no baccalaureate degree will be granted unless the specified instruction requirements are met. Moreover, institutions will be held accountable for compliance through annual reports submitted to legislative committees. Consequently, educational institutions must adapt their course offerings and assessment methods to comply with this act while ensuring that the number of total credit hours required for degrees remains unchanged.
Summary
Senate Bill 2490, known as the 'Reinforcing College Education on America's Constitutional Heritage Act' or 'REACH Act', mandates that each state institution of higher learning provide foundational instruction on key documents related to American history and government. Specifically, the bill requires undergraduate students to complete a three-credit-hour course focused on the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail. This requirement aims to ensure that graduates possess a foundational understanding of the principles and heritage of American democracy.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB2490 may center on its implications for academic freedom and curriculum design, as critics may argue that mandated content could stifle educational diversity and flexibility. Opponents of the bill may raise concerns regarding the selection of materials and the potential for ideological bias in teaching, particularly surrounding sensitive historical topics. Additionally, the accountability measures tied to the enforcement of this act could lead to challenges for educational institutions in maintaining autonomy over their academic programs.
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.
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.)
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.)