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Bill

SB 2168

High school graduation requirements; require civics course to graduate.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Rhodes

Mississippi bill requiring high school civics course for graduation; died in committee without advancing beyond initial education referral.

Died In Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2168

Legislative bill overview

SB 2168 would require all Mississippi high school students to complete a civics course as a mandatory graduation requirement. The bill was introduced by Senator Brian Rhodes and referred to the Education Committee on January 20, 2025, but died in committee on February 4, 2025.

Why is this important

Civics education directly impacts students' understanding of government, voting rights, and civic participation—foundational knowledge for informed citizenship. Adding graduation requirements affects curriculum planning, teacher training needs, and student course loads, with potential resource implications for school districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum crowding: Schools must balance new civics requirements against existing core subjects and electives without extending graduation timelines or reducing other educational offerings
  • Teacher availability and training: Implementing a statewide civics requirement requires sufficient qualified civics teachers; districts may lack capacity for rapid implementation
  • Definition of civics content: Disagreement over what civics curriculum should emphasize—from basic government structure to controversial political topics—could create ongoing policy disputes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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