The Ohio House of Representatives has passed the “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act,” legislation that would explicitly allow public school teachers to include the positive influence of Christianity when teaching American history.
House Bill 486, introduced by Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Rep. Michael Dovilla (R-Berea), passed the chamber in a 62–27 vote, with every Republican in favor and every Democrat opposed, according to WCMH NBC4.
Supporters Say the Bill Allows Neglected History to Be Taught
Following its passage, Dovilla said, “It’s essential that we highlight the positive influence religion has had throughout our history. Uniting communities, enriching our shared values, and safeguarding our First Amendment rights as Americans to speak and worship freely.”
Click said the bill “codifies teachers’ rights” to include the positive influence of Christianity in their lessons, noting that current Ohio learning standards do not emphasize positive associations with religion. The measure also points to historical topics students may be missing, such as Rev. John Witherspoon being the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Supporters argue the legislation merely permits instruction on Christianity’s positive contributions and does not prevent educators from also covering negative or controversial aspects.
Gabe Guidarini, chairman of the Ohio College Republican Federation, said the bill “does not impose a belief system,” but allows the inclusion of “historical truths that have too often been neglected.” He cited the importance of teaching “how faith shaped the resolve of the pilgrims, guided our Founders’ convictions, inspired movements that provided us the liberties we enjoy today, and informed the moral fabric that has bound our republic together since its birth.”
Opposition Warns of One-Sided Instruction
Left-leaning groups — including the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Public Education Partners, the Ohio Education Association, and the Children’s Defense Fund of Ohio — have criticized the measure.
Mackenzie Doyle, “justice promoter” for the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, told WCMH NBC4 she fears the bill will “present students with only one half of the story” by encouraging positive portrayals of Christianity without requiring comparable treatment of other faiths or negative historical episodes.
Bill Named in Honor of Charlie Kirk
The act is named after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, whom lawmakers described as known for both his Christian faith and his conservative youth activism. He was assassinated on September 10 while attempting to host what he described as an open and respectful dialogue with a student at Utah Valley University.
“Charlie was a committed Christian, whose life and work will serve as a testament to the power of conservative ideals combined with a legacy of faith for generations to come,” Click said.
The bill now advances to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
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The dissenters prove the point that only half of the history of our country is being taught, without any reference to the influence of religious faith in the formation of our country and our history. This is a direct effort to mis-inform our students about the true origin and history of our great American story.