[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 377 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 377

          Recognizing the importance of Western civilization.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 2, 2004

   Mr. Tancredo (for himself, Mr. Goode, Mr. Akin, Mr. Aderholt, Mr. 
Pence, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Deal of Georgia, Mr. Keller, 
Mr. Kingston, Mr. Bartlett of Maryland, Mr. Norwood, Mr. Jones of North 
Carolina, and Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite of Florida) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education 
                           and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
          Recognizing the importance of Western civilization.

Whereas the mission of United States public schools includes the preparation of 
        students for citizenship through the teaching of civil government and 
        the history and civil government of the United States, including the 
        importance of the Constitution;
Whereas the history of the United States, its form of government, and its 
        Constitution can be fully understood only in light of their roots in the 
        heritage of Western civilization;
Whereas the values, contributions, and accomplishments of Western civilization 
        to the national heritage of the United States and the world include the 
        concepts of individual liberty, the rule of law, democratic 
        institutions, universal human rights, the development of science and 
        technology, and the importance of religious tolerance;
Whereas contemporary educational trends often de-emphasize the teaching of 
        Western civilization and its contributions in favor of a multicultural 
        approach that instead emphasizes the differences among the people of the 
        United States, rather than their common heritage;
Whereas if young people are not taught to understand and appreciate the values 
        and culture shared by the people of the United States, the United States 
        will continue to become increasingly vulnerable to social division, 
        mutual distrust, and animosity;
Whereas if immigrants to the United States do not gain an understanding of the 
        national political and civic institutions of the United States as 
        derived from Western civilization, they will be unable to participate 
        fully and equally in the process of self-government;
Whereas the advent of swifter modes of communication, transportation, and mass 
        migration of people across international borders could result in the 
        balkanization of the United States unless all citizens recognize that a 
        common set of values and purpose bind all the people of the United 
        States together; and
Whereas the commonality of values and purpose among the people of the United 
        States can be strengthened by widespread appreciation for Western 
        civilization and its values, contributions, and accomplishments: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) recognizes that 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; and
            (2) encourages local school boards and State departments of 
        education to ensure that these concepts and ideals are 
        effectively taught, and that all young people who graduate from 
        high schools do so with an understanding and appreciation of 
        the values, contributions, and accomplishments of Western 
        civilization.
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