A new law allowing public school teachers and university faculty to teach about the positive influence of Christianity on American history is set to take effect on 1 July in Tennessee, United States, ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year.
The Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, named after the assassinated conservative activist, introduces measures for public and charter schools, as well as public colleges and universities, allowing educators to discuss the ‘positive historical impact’ of religion when teaching American history ‘without fear of violating state policy’ or constitutional restrictions.
The legislation was sponsored in the Tennessee House by Republican State Representative Mark Cochran of Englewood and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. ‘I think it’s almost impossible to teach American history without acknowledging Christianity’s impact on it,’ Cochran said, according to local news outlets.
‘Our nation has an incredibly rich history that deserves to be taught accurately and completely,’ he continued. ‘Tennessee Republicans are committed to giving students the full story. This law provides needed clarity for educators and ensures these significant historical truths can be taught in public schools.’
‘It’s almost impossible to teach American history without acknowledging Christianity’s impact on it’
The law identifies 19 historical subjects that teachers may address, including the religious origins of the Pilgrims, the Mayflower Compact, appeals to divine authority in the Declaration of Independence, the religious views of the Founding Fathers, and the influence of religious leaders on the Constitution and the civil rights movement.
It also covers the role of the Ten Commandments in the American legal tradition and the history of the national motto, ‘In God We Trust’.
Cochran stressed that the measure does not establish a new compulsory curriculum or require teachers to introduce religious material. Instead, he said, it is intended to reassure educators that they may discuss Christianity’s documented influence on the development of the United States.
Supporters argue that the law protects academic freedom and allows students to receive a broader account of the country’s founding. However, education leaders have questioned how significantly it will affect classroom instruction.
JC Bowman, CEO and Executive Director of the advocacy association Professional Educators of Tennessee, said students were unlikely to notice major changes. He described the measure primarily as guidance and legal reassurance for teachers, while warning that schools could implement it differently without clear instructions from the Tennessee Department of Education.
Bowman also raised concerns about the limited availability of suitable teaching materials, arguing that the legislation had advanced without sufficient resources being prepared for educators.
The act was named after Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and a prominent ally of US President Donald Trump, whose deeply held Christian faith shaped both his activism and his advocacy for America’s Judeo–Christian heritage. Kirk was assassinated on 10 September 2025 while addressing a campus event at Utah Valley University.
‘Supporters argue that the law protects academic freedom and allows students to receive a broader account of the country’s founding’
His murder shocked conservatives in the United States and abroad, with supporters portraying him as a symbol of Christian faith, free speech, and opposition to political violence. Congress adopted resolutions honouring his legacy, while memorial gatherings were organized across the Western world, including a candlelit vigil attended by hundreds outside the US Embassy in Budapest.
Nearly ten months after the assassination, criminal proceedings against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Kirk, remain at the pre-trial stage. Robinson has not entered a plea and is scheduled to appear at a public preliminary hearing from 6 to 10 July, during which prosecutors must demonstrate that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, while the defence has asked the court to remove it over alleged violations of a judicial gag order.
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