Delegate Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R-Randolph, 67) has introduced House Bill 2724, known as the American Civics and History Act, a sweeping proposal aimed at strengthening civics, history, and government education in West Virginia’s public schools.
The legislation mandates that students receive at least one semester of instruction in U.S. history, government (both federal and state), and civics prior to completing the 8th and 12th grades. The courses are intended to instill a deeper understanding of American democratic principles, political structure, and the philosophy underpinning the nation’s founding.
Key elements of the bill include:
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Required Curriculum Content: Students must be taught the structure and functions of government, including the separation of powers, the Electoral College, and federalism. Instruction must also include an objective comparison of ideologies such as democracy, socialism, communism, and fascism, using historical examples and first-person accounts.
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Primary Source Emphasis: Lessons will emphasize the use of foundational documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution (with a focus on the Bill of Rights), the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Federalist Papers.
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Interactive Learning: Schools are encouraged to use debates, mock government scenarios, and impartial discussions to increase student engagement and critical thinking.
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Balanced Discussion of Current Events: Teachers who choose to address controversial or current public policy issues are required to present diverse and competing viewpoints without compelling students or staff to adopt any particular belief.
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Curriculum Oversight: All instructional materials must be reviewed by the West Virginia Department of Education at least every four years, with input from educators, parents, elected officials, and other stakeholders. Errors must be corrected before materials can be distributed.
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Civic Knowledge Testing: Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, high school students must take a civics exam modeled on the 2020 version of the U.S. naturalization test. Districts will report aggregated performance data to the state, which will be publicly displayed on a “Civic Education Scorecard.”
The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if one part of the law is struck down, the rest will remain in effect.
According to Delegate Coop-Gonzalez, the American Civics and History Act is designed to promote informed citizenship, protect against ideological bias in education, and reinforce the values of democracy and constitutional governance among West Virginia students. The proposal is part of a broader national movement to revitalize civics education amid growing concerns about civic literacy and political polarization.
