Tennessee § 49-6-1202 - American history and government.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-1202 — American history and government., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49-6-1202. American history and government.
Every four-year high school that receives public funds from city, county or state governments shall require every student to have at least one (1) year of instruction in American history and government, preferably in the fourth year. Any student in any of the designated schools who fails or refuses to take the subjects named in subdivision (a)(1) shall not be admitted to the University of Tennessee or the state university and community college system of Tennessee unless and until the student agrees to earn credit in these subjects in the first or second year of attendance. Every private high school in Tennessee that gives a four-year course in literary branches is subject to the same requirements as are the public high schools in this state with regard to teaching American history and government. Failure or refusal to comply with subsection (a) and subdivision (b)(1) by private high schools will automatically remove them from the list of accredited high schools in Tennessee. Failure to carry out subsection (a) constitutes a Class A misdemeanor on the part of any principal of a public high school in this state and causes the school to be removed from the accredited list of high schools, and the teaching license of the teacher to be revoked. Any dean of the University of Tennessee or dean of any state college who violates this section shall be removed from such position and shall not be permitted to engage in any form of public school or college work in this state for the five (5) years next succeeding such dismissal. This subsection (d) also applies to any person who may be substituting for any of the deans. Acts 1951, ch. 30, §§ 1-4 (Williams, § 2393.8c); Acts 1973, ch. 201, § 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-1903 — 49-1906; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1. Compiler's Notes. The misdemeanor in this section has been designated a Class A misdemeanor by authority of § 40-35-110 , which provides that an offense designated a misdemeanor without specifications as to category is a Class A misdemeanor. See also § 39-11-114 . Cross-References. Penalty for Class A misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 . Law Reviews. Satisfying the State Interest in Education with Private Schools, 49 Tenn. L. Rev. 955 (1982).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 49-6-1202
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-1202 cover?
Section 49-6-1202 ("American history and government.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 49-6-1202?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-1202" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 49-6-1202 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.