[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 49 Introduced in House (IH)]






109th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 49

          Recognizing the importance of Western civilization.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            February 8, 2005

  Mr. Tancredo (for himself, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Goode, Mr. 
    Pence, and Mr. Jones of North Carolina) 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 part of the mission of United States public schools includes the 
        preparation of students for citizenship through the teaching of civil 
        government and the history of the United States, including the 
        importance of the founding documents of the United States;
Whereas the history of the United States, its form of government, and its 
        founding documents can be best understood in light of their roots in the 
        tradition of Western civilization;
Whereas the values, contributions, and accomplishments of Western civilization 
        to the national heritage of the United States and the world include such 
        concepts as individual liberty, the rule of law, democratic 
        institutions, self determination, the development of science and 
        technology, and the importance of religious tolerance;
Whereas the teaching of Western civilization and our common heritage deserves 
        greater emphasis;
Whereas if young people are taught to understand and appreciate the common 
        values and culture shared by the people of the United States, the United 
        States will become less vulnerable to social division, mutual distrust, 
        and animosity;
Whereas immigrants to the United States should be provided an understanding of 
        the national political and civic institutions of the United States as 
        derived from Western civilization, so they will be able 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 require that all 
        citizens recognize the common set of values and purposes that 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 important to the 
        development and maintenance of a vibrant, united, and enduring 
        United States polity, culture, and society; and
            (2) encourages local school boards, State education 
        officials, and educators to ensure that all young people gain 
        an understanding and appreciation of the values, contributions, 
        and accomplishments of Western civilization.
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