WV HB3297

Creates the Washington Center for Civics, Culture, and Statesmanship at West Virginia University to teach classical western history, American constitutional thought, and leadership principles, effective July 11, 2025

Requires a minimum of five tenure-track faculty positions housed within the center, with faculty not required to hold joint appointments in other university departments

Governor appoints the initial director (with Senate consent) in consultation with the university president; director serves renewable five-year terms and must be an expert on the western tradition and American founding

Director appoints a seven-member academic council (only one member may be a WVU employee) that conducts national searches for future directors and transmits finalist lists to the Governor

Legislators are prohibited from employment at the center or serving as director during their service or for two years after leaving the legislature