WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Jason Smith introduced the Love America Act, legislation aimed at encouraging patriotism and pride in our country and preventing our nation’s schools from teaching racist curriculum that promote hatred and division.
“Americans have every reason to be proud of the ideals our country was founded on, but radical, left-wing education activists are hijacking school curriculums and injecting poisonous ideology onto our nation’s youth,” said Rep. Jason Smith. “These Critical Race Theory advocates seek to reframe our founding as racist in an effort to turn America into an unrecognizable socialist country. America’s foundational texts are the shining lights for every free and prosperous nation across the globe. This legislation will empower those who love our country to instill the same sense of pride in America that has been passed down through the generations.”
Specifically, this legislation would:
Require students to read the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Pledge of Allegiance and recite portions of these foundational texts at certain grade levels:
In 1st grade, students read and are able to recite the Pledge of Allegiance
In 4th grade, students read the U.S. Constitution and are able to recite its preamble
In 8th grade, students read the Declaration of Independence and are able to recite its preamble
In 10th grade, students read and are able to identify the Bill of Rights
Would make schools ineligible for federal funding if they teach that the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, or Pledge of Allegiance are the product of white supremacy or racism.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley originally introduced the Love America Act in the Senate.
