Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)
In an era when historical literacy is under attack, when civic knowledge is in decline and when the fundamental values that built our nation are being forgotten, it is time for us to restore a sense of history, law and ethical responsibility in our schools. That is why I am introducing the Creation of Law in Our Schools Act, legislation that will require the display of four foundational documents in Pennsylvania’s public schools:
- The Ten Commandments – The first known codification of law in human history.
- The Declaration of Independence – The defining statement of American liberty.
- The Pennsylvania Constitution – The cornerstone of our laws and freedoms.
- The U.S. Constitution – The supreme law of our nation.
These documents are the living foundation of our legal system, our liberties and our national identity. However, a recent survey found that only 47% of Americans can name all three branches of government, and one in five cannot name one.
A nation that does not know its history is doomed to lose its identity. By ensuring that our students see and engage with these bedrock documents, we will instill in them a greater appreciation of law, responsibility and the sacrifices made to build this great nation.
Our Founding Fathers understood that a free society cannot survive without an educated citizenry. William Penn, the founder of our commonwealth, envisioned Pennsylvania as a place of freedom, law and virtue.
By displaying these essential texts, we are not promoting a single ideology – we are reinforcing the principles that unify us as Americans. We are saying, “This is where we come from, this is what we stand for and this is what we must preserve for future generations.”
Many states have passed legislation requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in schools. But Pennsylvania will take a unique and comprehensive approach by ensuring that students engage with all four foundational documents that shaped our commonwealth and our nation. This is not just about teaching history – it is about preserving the very principles that make America great.
If we fail to pass our history and values on to the next generation, they will be lost.
Let us stand together to restore historical knowledge, promote civic responsibility and ensure that every student in Pennsylvania grows up understanding the laws, rights and freedoms that define us as Americans.
Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District, covering all of Adams and Franklin counties.