Standing up for the values that make America exceptional – including civil discourse, the benefits of a democratic republic, and opposing ideological indoctrination – was paramount to the legislature and to me during our recent session. That is why I sponsored and supported several related bills to promote and protect civic education and freedom of thought and speech in Tennessee education institutions.

Virtues of American Government

A new law I co-sponsored requires students in grades 9-12 to be taught the virtues of capitalism and the constitutional republic form of government of the United States and Tennessee. It calls for these forms of government to be compared to other political and economic systems such as communism and socialism.

While capitalism and our constitutional republic aren’t perfect systems, they are far superior to any alternatives. Many American men and women have sacrificed their lives to protect these governing systems, and it is extremely important our students in Tennessee understand the virtues of our American government over other governing systems.

Combatting indoctrination in higher education

Another new law which I was proud to support will protect students and employees at public universities from being forced to believe or embrace divisive concepts. It stipulates that students or employees at public higher education institutions must not be penalized, discriminated against, or adversely treated due to the student’s or employee’s refusal to endorse divisive concepts. The bill also prohibits public universities from requiring training programs that include divisive ideological concepts.

At higher education institutions ideas and beliefs should be expressed freely as our young citizens explore and make sense of the world around them. Professors and administrators should not be allowed to impose their own beliefs on impressionable young Tennesseans, and this law aims to ensure that won’t happen.

UT Civics Institute

Last week, Governor Bill Lee signed legislation I co-sponsored to establish the Institute of American Civics at Tennessee’s largest public university. The new law locates the institute within the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy on the campus of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. The 2022/2023 budget allocates $6 million for the project.

The Institute is designed to serve as a robust marketplace of ideas for all students and faculty. Members of the board of fellows for the institute will include professors or administrators, former elected officials affiliated with different political parties, and members of the board of the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center.

The seven objectives for the institute are to:

• Foster a deeper understanding of the structures and institutions of federal, state, and local government.
• Further the understanding of the principles and philosophies that contributed to the foundation and development of the United States and the state of Tennessee.
• Promote civil discourse and constructive debate.
• Enhance education in the fields of politics, economics, philosophy, American history, American government, and other related fields as appropriate, with a focus on the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship; fundamental democratic principles; and the ways in which those principles are expressed in and through our federal, state, and local institutions.
• Provide nonpartisan resources to students, faculty, state government agencies, educators, and the general public regarding civic affairs.
• Foster civic engagement through full and fair discussions that promote civil dialogue among those holding conflicting points of view.
• Assist in ensuring that the University of Tennessee serves as a robust marketplace of ideas for all students and faculty.

I am proud to stand for the principles outlined in these bills. As our State Senator, I will continue to stand up for freedom of ideas and the virtues and principles of American democracy.