There’s a new bill making its way through our state legislature that deserves your attention. Senate Bill 245 aims to change how civics education works in Nevada schools, and if you value limited government, you might want to know more.
What’s in the Bill?
SB245 creates something called the “Advisory Council on Civics Education.” This council would help run Nevada’s State Seal of Civics Program – a special recognition for high schoolers who excel in civics.
Think of it like this: imagine someone building an addition to your house without asking what you want it to look like. That’s what’s happening with our kids’ education.
The bill would put seven people in charge of deciding what counts as good civics knowledge. Two would be from the Nevada Department of Education. Two would come from the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement. One would be a principal. And two would be teachers – one from southern Nevada picked by the Clark County Education Association, and one from northern or rural Nevada chosen by the Nevada State Education Association.
The bill also gives $20,000 of taxpayer money to the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement to promote civics education programs.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
For folks who believe in limited government, this bill raises red flags. Here’s why:
First, it creates a new government body with power over what our kids learn about how our country works. The council would develop tests and set standards for what counts as “good citizenship.”
Second, government-run education programs tend to grow over time. Today it’s an optional seal on diplomas. Tomorrow it could become a requirement affecting all students.
Third, the makeup of the council tilts toward organizations that don’t always share conservative values about limited government and individual liberty. Two spots are reserved specifically for teacher union representatives.
As James Madison wrote in Federalist No. 51:
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
The wisdom of our founders tells us to be careful about giving new powers to government bodies.
What Supporters Say
Backers of the bill say it just improves an existing program. They argue students need better civics education to become informed citizens. The bill lowers the GPA requirement from 3.25 to 2.5, making the program available to more students. It also reduces the required score on the civics exam from 90% to 80%.
Senator Lange, who introduced the bill along with several Democratic colleagues, believes strengthening civics education will help young Nevadans better understand how government works.
The Conservative Perspective
From a limited government viewpoint, education decisions should stay as close to families as possible. Parents, not state-appointed councils, should have the primary say in how their children learn about citizenship and government.
Critics of the bill point out that the council would have broad power to define what counts as good citizenship and civic engagement. This could potentially push a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t respect diverse viewpoints.
Conservatives are rightly concerned that the bill contains the undeniable potential to indoctrinate the children of Nevada toward certain political beliefs and ideologies.
What Might Happen Next
If passed, the bill would take effect on October 1, 2025. The council would start defining what counts as good civics knowledge and citizenship. Schools could opt into the program, and students who meet the requirements would get a special seal on their diplomas.
Over time, this could shape how an entire generation of Nevadans understand the role of government in society. That’s why it matters now.
What You Can Do
If you care about keeping education decisions closer to families and communities, here are some steps you might take:
- Contact your state senator and share your thoughts on SB245.
- Attend the Senate Education Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Room 2134 of the Legislative Building (401 South Carson Street, Carson City). The meeting will also be videoconferenced to Room 4 of the Nevada Legislature Hearing Rooms at 7120 Amigo Street in Las Vegas.
- Join the meeting remotely by calling (888) 475-4499 on March 10. When prompted, enter Meeting ID 846 9041 7596 and press #. When asked for a Participant ID, just press # again. You can also watch the meeting live at http://www.leg.state.nv.us by clicking on “View Events.”
- Submit your comments electronically to SenEDU@sen.state.nv.us no later than 24 hours before the meeting. If you’re submitting documents, they must be in PDF format, and you should bring 20 copies to the meeting for distribution.
- Talk with other parents in your community about the bill.
Remember, in a republic like ours, your voice matters. The founders designed our system so citizens could shape their government, not the other way around.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
