Representative Ritter Supports Resolution to Encourage Students to Read the Declaration of Independence

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today adopted legislation to encourage students in grades one through twelve to read the Declaration of Independence in the classroom during the 2025–2026 school year in recognition of its 250th anniversary, announced State Representative Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta).

House Concurrent Resolution 22 does not impose a mandate on schools. Rather, it encourages them to provide students with opportunities to read and study the document that remains foundational to the United States’ constitutional republic, ensuring the next generation of Ohioans understands the nation’s fundamental principles.

“Today, the Ohio House honored the sacrifice of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence who pledged not only to each other, but to all posterity, their ‘lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor,’” said Ritter. “The Declaration is one of our country’s four great founding documents and it made clear from the outset the rights we enjoy as Americans were ‘endowed by our Creator,’ not granted by men.” 

The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence takes places on July 4, 2026. 

H.C.R. 22 awaits further consideration from the Ohio Senate.