In April of 2024, the UNC Board of Governors passed a policy revision requiring students to complete a course or courses covering the foundations of American democracy. Among the requirements: evaluating key concepts, principals, arguments and contexts of the founding documents such as the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers; evaluating milestones and challenges in the nation’s effort to form “a more perfect Union,” including contexts surrounding the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Letter from Birmingham Jail; and evaluating other texts that reflect the breadth of the American experience.
Since then, UNC System institutions have implemented the Foundations of American Democracy curriculum.
Foundations of American Democracy Convening
May 20, 2025 | Raleigh, NC
The Foundation of American Democracy Convening will provide an opportunity for UNC System faculty and staff to showcase best practices, discuss innovative ideas for curricular development, and share new and existing strategies for assisting students in meeting program objectives. The event will take place at the UNC System Office in Raleigh on May 20, 2025.
More information coming soon.