Us Congress Senate Bill SR391

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/30/23

Caption

A resolution designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as "National Character Counts Week".

Impact

The establishment of National Character Counts Week is intended to encourage communities and organizations across the nation to focus on the promotion of core ethical values that are critical for the personal and civic development of young individuals. By designating a specific week for this initiative, the resolution aims to foster a collective effort to teach and model essential traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and citizenship. This week will be an opportunity for schools and community groups to organize events and activities that engage youth in character-building efforts.

Summary

SR391 is a resolution that designates the week beginning October 15, 2023, as 'National Character Counts Week.' The resolution emphasizes the importance of character education in fostering responsible citizenship among the youth of the United States. It highlights the urgent need for effective character education as a means of promoting positive behavior in young people amidst rising issues of violence and concerns regarding moral guidance. The resolution is co-sponsored by various senators and advocates for collaboration among families, schools, and civic organizations to enhance character development in children.

Contention

While the bill appears to be broadly supportive of character education, the push for a formal designation may lead to discussions about the varying approaches to character education among different communities. Some may raise concerns about the effectiveness and inclusivity of character education programs, as elements of character can transcend cultural and socioeconomic differences. Additionally, there may be discussions on whether the designation adequately addresses existing issues of societal behavior or simply serves as a symbolic gesture.