State lawmakers have approved a new civics education center at West Virginia University, with a focus on “classical western history and culture.”
On Saturday, the West Virginia House of Delegates met for the final day of this year’s legislative session. They voted to adopt revisions proposed by the West Virginia Senate to House Bill 3297, which would mandate the state’s flagship university to establish the Washington Center for Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship.
Their proposition only requires the governor’s permission to go into action. The center’s concept is based on similar state-established civics centers at universities in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, and elsewhere, according to Del. Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock, primary sponsor and House majority leader.
The House approved the bill on March 21. During floor debate, supporters said that the center will increase educational options on campus while also attracting new staff and students.
Opponents stated that mandating WVU to build a new center undermined the institution’s authority, and that the subject area covered by the center already existing in other university departments.
At the time, Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, expressed concern that the plan did not include financing for the center, particularly given the university’s $45 million budget gap in 2023.
The current version of the measure that has passed the West Virginia Legislature does not clarify where the center’s money will come from.
During the Senate’s examination, the bill was amended to confirm that the university will have authority over the Washington facility and to remove language describing the facility as “independent.”
The center would be led by a director who is a “expert on the western tradition, the American founding, and American constitutional thought,” according to the bill’s wording.
Sen. Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, proposed an amendment to specify that members of the state legislature cannot work at the center or serve as its director for up to two years after their tenure ends at the State Capitol.
Governor Patrick Morrisey now has 15 days to reject or sign House Bill 3297. If he does not act on the measure, it will pass by default.
