Ohio Bill Honoring Charlie Kirk’s Legacy Closer to Becoming Law

Charlie Kirk’s legacy could live on for generations to come in Ohio if a bill on education ultimately becomes law, and it’s one step closer to doing so. The Ohio House voted along party lines last month to pass the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, which permits the teaching of Christian influence on American history.

State Rep. Gary Click, a Republican who represents Ohio’s 88th district and who sponsored the bill, previously told The Daily Signal that the bill aims to prevent teachers from feeling “shackled” when teaching about the influence of religion. There’s also a free speech component.

The bill “works to preserve the ability for educators to discuss the positive impact of religion on American history, highlighting its consistency with freedom of speech and emphasizing how imperative it is to reduce politically motivated hate and violence in society,” according to a November press release.

Kirk was assassinated during a Turning Point USA event on September 10 at Utah Valley University. Click previously told The Daily Signal that although he had been aware of issues for teachers speaking about religious influence “for a long time,” Kirk’s assassination prompted this legislation.

“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 added.

Throughout October and early November, the bill went through sponsor testimony, and legislators heard from proponents and opponents.

Opposition

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, among other left-leaning groups, opposed the bill.

“H.B. 486 is an uncomplicated bill, essentially confirming Ohio’s K-12 public school teachers and faculty at our state universities and colleges are permitted to teach about religion in their classrooms,” Gary Daniels, the group’s legislative director, testified in October. “If that is all H.B. 486 seeks to accomplish, then House Bill 486 is entirely unnecessary and it’s introduction is deeply puzzling.”

Both the U.S. and Ohio Constitutions protect such teaching, Daniels noted.

“However, H.B. 486 does not stop there,” he noted. “Indeed, the other admitted goal of H.B. 486 is to promote Christianity to captive K-12 school students and also adults in our colleges and our universities.”

He argued that references to Christianity in the bill aim to “paint Christianity in the most positive light while deliberately avoiding the negative,” such as historic justifications for slavery, denying women the right to vote, and the battles between different Christian denominations. He warned that “promotion and celebration of one particular religious faith or set of religious beliefs” will “create far more problems than it solves.”

Clarity

Finn Laursen, an education consultant for Christian Educators, told The Daily Signal last week that the bill provides needed clarity about what educators are allowed to teach. Laursen also testified for the bill last month.

Ohioans tend to assume, Laursen warned, that public schools must be secular. “Quite frankly, well-meaning administrators stop it,” he noted, even when it comes to the role that Christianity played in America’s founding. In addition to his role as a consultant, Laursen has 32 years of experience working within public schools as a teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent.

Laursen argued that neutrality towards religion is often “misunderstood.”

“Here’s the truth: that schools are government schools, employees are government employees, so they need to be neutral to religion,” he stressed. “And I think that’s what’s misunderstood. Neutral means you can’t proselytize. You can’t push your beliefs on someone. But it doesn’t mean you can’t study it. I mean, the Bible is taught in public schools across the nation, but not as the divine Word of God, but as history, as sometimes poetry, literature.”

Gabe Guidarini, chairman of the Ohio College Republican Federation, expressed hope for a revival of sorts, if the bill becomes law.

“I’m thrilled to see the Ohio House act in line with the spirit of America’s founding by passing this bill,” Guidarini told The Daily Signal last week. “If the bill makes it past the governor’s desk, it’ll help empower a rebirth of education on our nation’s Christian ideals and history. I want to especially thank Representatives Gary Click and Mike Dovilla who made this victory possible.”

Rep. Mike Dovilla, a Republican who represents the 17th district, also sponsored the bill.

“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,” Dovilla said in the press release.

Kirk was known for his Christian faith, and his group of Turning Point USA has been devoted to equipping and empowering high school and college students. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, now heads the group.

After passing the Ohio House, the bill goes to the Senate.

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