Recently, the Ohio House introduced House Bill 486. This bill, titled “Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act,” seeks to permit teachers in public schools and instructors at state institutions of higher education, when providing instruction on American history, to also provide instruction on the positive impacts of religion on American history. 

House Bill 486 does not take into account our current standards that already support the impact of religion, and it has other challenges that do not support high-quality social studies education. To date, not a single Ohio social studies teacher has had input or supported this bill.

The OCSS Executive Board has voted to oppose this bill. Please read the Board-approved position statement in opposition to HB 486. You can read the bill here and the initial analysis of it here.

What can you do?

Contact your Statehouse representatives and inform them that you do not support this legislation and neither should they. Follow this link to find your reps and how to contact them. Please refer to these talking points OCCS HB 486 Talking Points.pdf in order to organize your communication with reps. 

Submit testimony, written or in-person, and show up if possible! Write to or call representatives on the House Education Committee and explain why you are opposed to it.

How do you submit Testimony at Committee Hearings?

• • Written Instructions: Step by Step (Click Here) (READ THIS!)
  • Videos on Submitting Testimony (Click Here)

A few highlights:

• If you would like to submit testimony (written or for in-person), you need to send it and the witness slip (even if you are not showing up in person you still need to attach the witness slip!)
• If you are doing in-person testimony you need to submit your testimony in written form before you can read it aloud in-person
• Address your testimony to "Chair Fowler Arthur, Vice-Chair Odioso, and Ranking Member Brennan, and Members of the House Education Committee"
• Send testimony and witness slip to OHReducationcommittee@ohiohouse.gov by 2PM on Monday, October 20

Please do not hesitate to reach out to OCSS Board Members for support or with questions.