A North Carolina legislator has introduced a new bill that could soon change the way students approach their education in community colleges and University of North Carolina (UNC) schools. Rep. Keith Kidwell, who represents Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, and Pamlico counties in the NC General Assembly, proposed the bill titled the NC REACH Act, or the “North Carolina Reclaiming College Education on America’s Constitutional Heritage Act.”
The Purpose of the NC REACH Act
If passed, the NC REACH Act would require students in North Carolina’s community colleges and UNC schools to take at least three credit hours of American History or American Government classes as part of their degree requirements. This would be a major shift in how college degrees are structured, ensuring that all students gain a deeper understanding of the history and government of the United States before they graduate.
Rep. Kidwell, a member of the Republican Party, says that the goal of this bill is to increase awareness and knowledge about the founding of America. He believes that many people, including lawmakers, lack an understanding of key historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. By requiring college students to study these topics, Kidwell hopes to create more informed citizens.
Why American History is Important
“There’s so many of our citizens and even the people in the General Assembly that don’t know things like the Declaration of Independence, like The Constitution,” said Kidwell. “We really need to do a better job of getting that taught at our schools.”
The bill would not just require students to read about history, but also to actively engage with some of the most important documents in U.S. history. Students would need to study materials like the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist Papers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” and even the North Carolina State Constitution.
A Focus on History in College
Rep. Kidwell recognizes that history is already being taught in K-12 schools, but he argues that it’s crucial for students to continue learning about their country’s history at the college level as well. According to Kidwell, understanding American history and government is essential for future citizens to fully grasp their Constitutional rights and their roles in society.
“We’ve talked about the issues we’ve had in this country with racism, antisemitism. If we don’t understand what happened in that part of our history, we’re going to do it again, and none of us want to see that happen,” said Kidwell. He believes that learning about history will help avoid repeating mistakes from the past.
Moreover, Kidwell wants to make sure that students understand the importance of being engaged in the political system. He believes many young people are not interested in politics because they don’t understand its significance.
“I want to make sure that when people go out, they understand what their Constitutional rights are, they understand the importance of things like why you should get out and vote. Why you should be involved in politics. So many people say, ‘I don’t want to be involved in politics,’ and I think it’s because they don’t understand how critical it is,” Kidwell explained.
What Would Change if the Bill Passes?
If the NC REACH Act becomes law, both community colleges and UNC schools would be required to implement these new educational standards. These schools would need to include at least three credit hours of American History or Government courses in their degree programs.
Additionally, these institutions would be asked to report their progress and compliance with the new requirements to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee starting in mid-November 2026. This reporting would help ensure that the new rules are being followed and that students are gaining the knowledge Kidwell hopes they will.
The Potential Impact of the Bill
The NC REACH Act, if passed, could have a significant impact on how students view and interact with their country’s history. By making sure all students gain a strong foundation in American history and government, the bill could create more well-rounded and informed citizens who better understand their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of political participation.
Rep. Kidwell’s proposal is part of a growing national conversation about the importance of education that teaches the foundational values and history of a country. The goal is to ensure that future generations are not just prepared for jobs, but are also equipped to actively contribute to society and participate in the democratic process.
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