Bill > SB1959

This bill mandates that the governing boards of all public higher education institutions in Tennessee, including the board of regents, state university boards, and the University of Tennessee system board of trustees, must establish and maintain a "Charlie Kirk Memorial Courtyard for Civil Debate" at the main campus of each institution. These courtyards, which must be at least 1,600 square feet and installed by December 31, 2026, are intended to foster civil discourse and the exchange of differing ideas. Specific requirements for these courtyards include displaying the entirety of Article I of the Tennessee Constitution on the north side, the Ten Commandments on the south, the Bill of Rights on the east, and the Declaration of Independence on the west. Each display must be at least 24 by 36 inches with a minimum 36-point font size, centered no higher than five feet off the ground, and include the memorial's name and the date September 10, 2025. The governing boards are also permitted to accept donations for the design, installation, and upkeep of these courtyards. The bill also includes a severability clause, meaning if any part of the act is found invalid, the rest will remain in effect, and it takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1959&ga=114