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SALT LAKE CITY — An effort to disassociate the term "republic" from "democracy" in school curriculum passed the Senate on Monday and now goes back to the House for final approval.
HB220, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Mark Madsen R-Tooele, states the United States is a "constitutional compound republic," and children should be taught accordingly.
Madsen told fellow lawmakers the bill comes from a "desire to have true history and true philosophies taught."
Proponents of the bill have said they're concerned teachers are using the terms "republic" and "democracy" interchangeably, and the legislation is an effort to remedy that since the Pledge of Allegiance declares the U.S. a republic. Educators in the state have called the bill unnecessary, claiming the curriculum the bill mandates is already being taught in schools.
Madsen said he has been relieved to hear that, since he's aware of a movement nationwide that twists the preamble of the Constitution.
"Schools from coast to coast are indoctrinating children to socialism," he said. "I hope this has not encroached into our state. ... I hope my fears are unfounded."
The bill passed 27-0 in the Senate. It will go back to the House for approval since small changes were made in the Senate. If approved there, it's just a governor's signature away from becoming a law.
E-mail:mfarmer@ksl.com
