KRS § 164.2808 Center of American Civics -- Purposes -- Permissible actions by provost -- Use of funds. (Effective July 15, 2026)

164.2808 Center of American Civics -- Purposes -- Permissible actions by provost -- Use of funds. (Effective July 15, 2026) (1) There is established a Center of American Civics at the University of Kentucky. The board of trustees for the University of Kentucky may rename the center consistent with its philanthropic naming governance procedures. (2) The center shall: (a) Foster a deeper understanding of the structures and institutions of federal, state, and local government; (b) Further the understanding of the principles and philosophies that contributed to the foundation and development of the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky; (c) Promote civil discourse and constructive debate; (d) Enhance education in the fields of politics, economics, philosophy, law, American history, American government, rule of law, 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; (e) Provide nonpartisan resources to students, faculty, state government agencies, educators, and the general public regarding civic affairs; (f) Foster civic engagement through full and fair discussions that promote civil dialogue among those holding conflicting points of view; and (g) Assist in ensuring that the University of Kentucky serves as a robust marketplace of ideas for all students and faculty. (3) In order to carry out the purposes set forth in subsection (2) of this section, the provost of the University of Kentucky may: (a) Name an executive director and otherwise establish governance structure for the center; (b) Develop academic guidelines, course offerings, potential internships and other relevant experiences for students and the general public; (c) Facilitate events, including sponsoring public lectures; (d) Develop a partnership between the center and the Patterson School of Diplomacy at the University of Kentucky; and (e) Take other actions as appropriate. (4) The center may be physically housed in the J. David Rosenberg College of Law on the campus of the University of Kentucky. (5) The center shall operate as an independent academic unit within the University of Kentucky. (6) Any funds appropriated to the center shall not supplant any existing state funding or private or external donations to the University of Kentucky. Appropriated funds and all private and external donations to the center may only be used for operation of the center in conformance with this section. Effective: July 15, 2026 History: Created 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 154, sec. 14, effective July 15, 2026.