[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 108 (Monday, July 28, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1535-E1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       A RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE THE VIRTUES OF OUR NATION'S YOUTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB CLEMENT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 28, 1997

  Mr. CLEMENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Representatives 
Duncan, Etheridge, Hall of Ohio, and Wolf in introducing House 
Concurrent Resolution 127.
  Traditionally, colleges and universities were founded on the premise 
of developing intellectual minds and moral character. Today, colleges 
and universities continue to play a vital role in these areas. Some of 
these institutions have been applauded for their success in fostering 
high moral values. However, we must not rest until all schools place 
proper focus on character.
  Parents should be the primary developers of character in our Nation's 
children, but the role of education in character-building becomes 
increasingly important with every divorce, drug deal, juvenile crime, 
and teen-age pregnancy, which continue to undermine our Nation's moral 
code. The fact is, most Americans support the teaching of core values 
and basic morals such as trustworthiness, respect for self and others, 
responsibility, fairness, compassion, and citizenship. It is time for 
Congress to encourage these activities in our Nation's schools.
  I would like to thank the John Templeton Foundation for its 
leadership and efforts on the subject of character-building in 
education across our Nation. The foundation has been a leading 
proponent of this issue since 1989,

[[Page E1536]]

when it began sponsoring the ``Honor Roll for Character-Building 
Colleges'' guide book. This annual publication recognizes superior 
character-development in post-secondary institutions. I am grateful for 
the foundation's voice on this pressing issue.
  Our children will shape our future. Society must work to ensure that 
their moral foundation does not crumble. I call on all people who care 
about our future to promote the virtues of our Nation's youth and 
support this resolution.

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