Louisiana House Bill HB415

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Requires credit for a course covering the U.S. Constitution for a student to receive a baccalaureate degree from a Louisiana public college or university (OR +$3,400,000 EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, this bill would directly impact the curriculum of Louisiana's public higher education institutions by enforcing a standardized requirement for all bachelor’s degree candidates. The legislation aims to ensure that graduates possess a fundamental understanding of the Constitution, which proponents argue is essential for informed citizenship and civic engagement. Furthermore, it places responsibility on postsecondary management boards to certify that appropriate courses are offered and that students have met the credit requirement before graduation.

Summary

House Bill 415 seeks to amend the Louisiana Constitution to mandate that students must complete a course covering the United States Constitution to obtain a baccalaureate degree from any public college or university in Louisiana. This proposed amendment outlines specific topics that must be included in the course, such as the historical context of the Constitution's creation, the article content, the allocation of power between state and federal governments, and critical Supreme Court decisions related to the Constitution. The course can either be solely focused on the Constitution or integrated into broader coursework that includes these specific elements.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 415 appears to be generally positive among proponents who view it as an important step in fostering civic literacy. They argue that a deeper understanding of the Constitution is essential for students, especially in a democratic society. However, some critics may express concerns regarding the imposition of additional requirements on education and whether it may limit academic freedom or impose undue constraints on educational institutions.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the practicality of implementing this requirement across diverse fields of study. Critics might also highlight potential issues such as the logistical challenge of restructuring existing curricula to integrate this mandate, or concerns that students focusing on non-constitutional topics might be unfairly burdened by additional coursework. The legislation would likely encounter debates on balancing educational standards with institutional autonomy and student choice.