On 1 July 2026, the «Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act» enters into force in Tennessee, USA. The law gives teachers in public schools, colleges and universities the freedom to teach about Christianity’s positive impact on American history, without having to fear violating state policy or encountering constitutional restrictions.

The law is named after the Christian conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was murdered on 10 September 2025. It was passed by the Republican-dominated Tennessee legislature and signed by Governor Bill Lee earlier in 2026.

Deep culture war in American classrooms

The law states that teaching about the «positive impacts of religion on American history» is consistent with the First Amendment. Historical facts that may be highlighted in teaching include the Mayflower Compact and the Pilgrim Fathers’ Christian motivation, references to God and divine authority in the Declaration of Independence, Christianity’s influence on the Founding Fathers and American legal thought, religion’s role in the civil rights movement and other historical movements.

The Tennessee State Senate on Thursday passed the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, which would encourage schools and universities in the Volunteer State to teach the impact religion on United States history.

Passed with a 27-6 vote, Senate Bill (SB)…https://t.co/wtTdOUjtsp

— Tennessee Star (@TheTNStar) March 23, 2026

According to the law’s supporters, the goal is to provide a more «balanced and accurate» picture of US history. They claim that American history has for years been taught with a secular or negative slant that downplays or ignores religion’s central place. The Founders were strongly influenced by Judeo-Christian values, which have shaped freedom, the rule of law and welfare in the USA.
The law, which enters into force just before the 2026–2027 school year begins, underscores the deep culture war that characterises American education policy.