Lee Signs Institute of American Civics Bill at UT Ceremony - Articles

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Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on May 13, 2022

Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation into law yesterday to create an Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee's Howard Baker Center for Public Policy. He was on the UT campus to participate in a forum and the signing ceremony, WATE reports. Lee said the institute will be guided by a bipartisan board of fellows who “share an appreciation for the American system and the unique degree of liberty and prosperity that it provides." UT System President Randy Boyd focused his remarks on the institute’s potential for encouraging civil debate. “The bill is all about bipartisanship. Bringing in both sides of each issue together to have a civil discussion about things that they may disagree on but be able to talk about it in a way that is respectful, open and transparent.” Funded at a cost of $6 million, the program eventually will employ 50 staff.