On a hot and steamy day when neither man nor dog ventured out into the 90 plus degree weather, Gov. Patrick Morrisey traveled to Hancock County. In a ceremony which had been planned outside and was moved to the basement of the VFW due to extreme heat, the Gov. held a ceremonial signing of HB 3297 whose lead sponsor was Majority Leader and 1st District Del. Pat McGeehan.
With a sign at his podium that read “Educate don’t Indoctrinate”, Morrisey spoke of the bills which has passed in the 2025 Legislative Session involving education. He noted that raises for teacher and school service personnel had not happened, but vowed to address that issue in the near future.
McGeehan and his family were present for the signing along with Del. Jimmy Willis (R-3rd) and Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman (R-1st). The bill creates the Washington Center for Civics, Culture and Statesmanship within West Virginia University.
Mandated from the legislation is a director who is a direct report to the President of WVU and five tenure-track faculty. A curriculum will be created, according to the Bill, which will include constitutional studies, responsible leadership, civil discourse.
Governed by a 7-member Council, the Director shall be selected by the President of WVU and the Governor.
The Governor announced the Center will be funded by $1.5 million from surplus funds.
