Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2019

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9863 of April 15, 2019

Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

A strong republic requires a people abounding in
knowledge, which forges the character of the citizenry
and its chosen representatives. Through study of the
thoughts and discoveries of others, citizens enhance
their shared understanding of who they are and who they
want to be. Education and Sharing Day affords an
important opportunity to reaffirm our belief that
educational freedom is essential to our society and to
the growth of individuals.

On this day, we recognize Rabbi Menachem Mendel
Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose very name
signifies a spirit of comfort and compassion and a
commitment to the betterment of America and the world.
In the face of unspeakable tragedy, Rabbi Schneerson
championed the teaching of principles of scholarship,
justice, charity, and unity, launching an international
movement that continues to contribute to the progress
of humanity. The Rebbe believed that education is not
only about the transmission of knowledge but that it is
also integral to the formation of character. He sought
to expand freedom in education while finding common
ground with those of differing beliefs and backgrounds.
His unfailing example offered those around him an
opportunity to deepen their understanding of the
inherent connections between knowledge, character, and
freedom.

We must encourage institutions of higher learning to
resist calls to stifle the open debate that is crucial
to fostering freedom and social understanding. Genuine
education depends on the free sharing of thought. That
is why I recently signed an Executive Order to improve
free inquiry, transparency, and accountability at
colleges and universities.

Today, we honor the Rebbe's legacy by recommitting
ourselves to embracing lifelong learning, defending
freedom of expression, and upholding virtue. As
Americans, let us strive to listen to each other's
perspectives, learn from one another's experiences, and
gain a deeper appreciation for the exchange of
competing views to develop our character as citizens of
a great republic.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim April 16, 2019, as
``Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.'' I call upon
government officials, educators, volunteers, and all
the people of the United States to observe this day
with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.

4-18-19; 8:45 am]