NEW: Senate OKs Gallo Call for Commission on Humanities

NEW: Senate OKs Gallo Call for Commission on Humanities

Acknowledging the role the humanities play in the state’s economy, culture and public life and in tribute to Senator Claiborne Pell, the Rhode Island Senate approved a joint resolution to create the “Senator Pell Legislative Commission on the Humanities.”

The joint resolution, 2012-S 2750, was sponsored by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston), who said that “the work of this commission will be in keeping with the vision of Senator Pell, who championed the creation of the National Endowment for the Humanities. By promoting the public understanding of the tradition of thought and accomplishment that is the humanities, we can inspire intellectual curiosity and imagination, something Senator Pell realized is important to the growth of a truly great society.”

The Gallo measure, which was co-sponsored by Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown), now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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The resolution proposes a 12-member commission, to be composed of three members of the Senate, three members of the House, and six public members, three each selected by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.

The commission will be charged with examining the state of the humanities in Rhode Island, developing strategies to foster a greater appreciation of the humanities and promoting a humanities curriculum in public and private institutions.

“Our state has a long and proud history of promoting the humanities in public life and the creation of this commission, and the continued outstanding work of the Council on the Humanities, can help sustain and enhance those efforts to increase exposure to art, history, literature, philosophy, civics and other fields,” said Senator Gallo.

A companion resolution, 2012-H 7985, sponsored by Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown), is currently before the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.