The bill proposes the establishment of the Washington Center for Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship as an independent entity within West Virginia University. It mandates the university to provide necessary infrastructure, classroom, and office space for the center, which aims to enhance knowledge about classical western history, American constitutional thought, and to cultivate future leaders through research, scholarship, and mentorship. The center's goals include enriching the curriculum in American constitutional studies, educating students in political philosophy and responsible leadership, and promoting intellectual diversity and civil discourse.

Additionally, the bill outlines the governance structure of the center, including the appointment of a director by the Governor, who will have exclusive authority over various operational areas such as faculty recruitment, curriculum development, and budget management. The center will also have a seven-member academic council to assist in its governance. The director is required to submit an annual report detailing the center's achievements and challenges to the university's Board of Governors and the Joint Committee on Government and Finance. The bill emphasizes the center's commitment to fostering an environment of free inquiry and intellectual diversity within the university.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-11-8
Committee Substitute: 18B-11-8