Click bill seeks to educate about country's Christian roots

Gary Click, representative of Ohio's 88th district, introduced the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act this week. The law would remove perceived barriers to the teaching of Christian components of American history in public schools. According to testimony given by Click, HB 486 "does not impose new regulations or mandates on our already overburdened educators," but "simply removes the invisible shackles that often hinder a full and transparent teaching of American history." While the law already allows such teaching, Click said, many educators believe teaching the country's Christian foundation is a violation of the separation of church and state. That misunderstanding, and the "lack of understanding of the country's heritage" that results from incomplete history teaching is an "underlying frustration" for him, Click said. "Undeniably, historically Christianity has had the most profound impact in forming this nation," Click said. "There is a generation that does not know that truth," he said. Click stressed he is not in favor of putting the Bible back in schools, believing spiritual guidance is the responsibility of the home and church, and said the bill is not an effort to indoctrinate students with the Christian faith. Giving students a more complete understanding of American history, he said, would provide historical facts and allow students to come to their own conclusions. "Let the chips fall where they may," he said. Click also said he hopes the bill will embolden those who wish to teach the founding Christian principles of the country, and clarify to others what is legally permitted in the classroom. He said he hopes teachers and superintendents will consider voicing their testimony in support of HB 486, but understands why many might be hesitant. "Teachers understand the climate we are in," he said. Click said he believes there will be "a lot of support" for HB 486 moving forward. Click said he met Charlie Kirk in November 2024, and named the bill the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act to help carry on the movement started by Kirk, which he believes is rooted in a clear understanding of American history and the power of faith. "I hope Charlie Kirk is smiling down from heaven," he said.