§ 59-29-130 — Public institutions of higher learning; required instruction; applicability.

(A)(1)(a) A public institution of higher learning, as defined in Section 59-103-5, that offers classes which may fulfill general education or liberal arts requirements shall require each undergraduate student, except a student eligible for the exemption provided in item (2), to complete no fewer than three semester credit hours or their equivalent in American history, American government, or another equivalent course of instruction that provides a comprehensive overview of the major events and turning points of American history and government which includes, at a minimum, reading: (i) the United States Constitution in its entirety; (ii) the Declaration of Independence in its entirety; (iii) the Emancipation Proclamation in its entirety; (iv) a minimum of five essays in their entirety from the Federalist Papers as selected by an instructor; and (v) one or more documents that are foundational to the African American Freedom struggle. (b) No public institution of higher learning may grant a certificate of graduation for a baccalaureate degree program to a student unless he successfully completes the requirements of this subsection. (2) A public institution of higher learning may exempt a student who has completed three semester credit hours, or their equivalent, in an Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate (IB), or dual-credit course with a passing grade in the subject of American government or American history, provided the completed three semester credit hours, or their equivalent, in an Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-credit course must satisfy the requirements of item (1). (B) The board of trustees of a public institution of higher learning shall ensure that the requirements of this section are incorporated into the degree requirements of all undergraduate degree programs in a manner that does not: (1) add to the total number of credit hours for any degree; and (2) conflict with any school accreditation process. (C) The Commission on Higher Education shall ensure the compliance of each public institution of higher learning with all provisions of this section. The commission annually shall collect information necessary to ensure that a public institution of higher learning is in compliance with this section. This information annually must be reported to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Education and Public Works Committee, the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Legislative History

HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 21-421; 1952 Code SECTION 21-421; 1942 Code SECTION 5324; 1932 Code SECTION 5342; 1924 (33) 1186; 2021 Act No. 26 (S.38), SECTION 2.A, eff beginning with the 2021-2022 School Year. Editor's Note 2021 Act No. 26, SECTIONS 2.B, 5, provide as follows: "[SECTION 2.]B. Section 59-29-130, as amended by this act, applies to the first incoming undergraduate freshman class entering a public institution of higher learning after the effective date of this act and each subsequent undergraduate class thereafter. Nothing contained in Section 59-29-130 may be construed to prevent an undergraduate student enrolled in a public institution of higher learning on the effective date of this act from receiving a certificate of graduation." "SECTION 5. This act takes effect beginning with the 2021—2022 School Year." Effect of Amendment 2021 Act No. 26, SECTION 2.A, rewrote the section.