(a) There is established an institute of American civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The board of trustees for the University of Tennessee may rename the institute consistent with its philanthropic naming governance procedures.(b) It is the purpose of the institute to: (1) Foster a deeper understanding of the structures and institutions of federal, state, and local government;(2) Further the understanding of the principles and philosophies that contributed to the foundation and development of the United States and the state of Tennessee;(3) Promote civil discourse and constructive debate;(4) Enhance education in the fields of politics, economics, philosophy, American history, American government, and other related fields as appropriate, with a focus on the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship; fundamental democratic principles; and the ways in which those principles are expressed in and through our federal, state, and local institutions;(5) Provide nonpartisan resources to students, faculty, state government agencies, educators, and the general public regarding civic affairs;(6) Foster civic engagement through full and fair discussions that promote artisan resources to students, faculty, state government agencies, educators, and the general public regarding civic affairs;(6) Foster civic engagement through full and fair discussions that promote civil dialogue among those holding conflicting points of view; and(7) Assist in ensuring that the University of Tennessee serves as a robust marketplace of ideas for all students and faculty.(c) In order to carry out the purposes set forth in subsection (b), the institute is authorized to:(1) Hire faculty and staff;(2) Enroll students;(3) Develop and offer courses in new undergraduate major and minor programs;(4) Offer general education and honors courses;(5) Provide and facilitate internships and other relevant experiences for students and the general public;(6) Hold events; and(7) Take other actions as appropriate, subject to the supervision of the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the general supervision of the president of the University of Tennessee system.(d) Upon its establishment, the institute may be physically housed in the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.(e) The institute shall operate as an academic pon its establishment, the institute may be physically housed in the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.(e) The institute shall operate as an academic unit within the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.(f) The institute shall provide programming addressing American civics and related topics for the University of Tennessee system. Acts 2022, ch. 963, § 1.
Tennessee Legal Code