Calls for 'Center for American Exceptionalism' have new life, but conservatives skeptical

Black Hills State University proposes 'revamp' of Rep. Odenbach's initiative narrowly defeated in Legislature earlier this year

Mount Rushmore (Unsplash)

A legislative initiative to create collegiate programming in South Dakota that highlights “American exceptionalism” fell one vote short in the state House this past winter.

But four months later, the idea of creating a civics-focused education center on the campus of Black Hills State University has new life.

Outgoing BHSU President Laurie Nichols this week made a request to the South Dakota Board of Regents during a two-day hearing in Madison for $300,000 and two new staff positions to create what the Black Hills college proposes to be a “Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership.”

NEWS: Rep. Scott Odenbach wanted to promote American exceptionalism. He faced surprising opposition.