This morning (Jan. 23, 2023), the South Dakota House Education Committee approved a bill establishing a Center for American Exceptionalism at Black Hills State University.
House Bill 1070 would establish a center that would develop social studies curriculum, encourage students to look at all perspectives on American history, work with Native Americans to tell their history and culture, compare America’s system to other countries, and help students develop a love of the United States.
The sponsor, Rep. Scott Odenbach from Spearfish, says having a South Dakota university develop social studies standards might have avoided the current controversy over standards being set by Hillsdale College, a private, out-of-state college.
Opponents said there are already processes at the Regental, state and local levels to develop social studies curricula. They also noted that nowhere did proponents say the current state social studies curriculum was defective. Other opponents said the state might not want another state board involved in setting curriculum.
The bill would also appropriate $150,000 in seed money to hire two people to get the program running.
The motion to pass the measure to the Joint Appropriations Committee for additional consideration was approved on a 9 to 6 vote.
(Story courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.)
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