Humanists Commend National Day of Reason Resolution Introduced in the US House of Representatives

For Immediate Release

Contact: Sarah LaReau, slareau@americanhumanist.org, 202-238-9088 (ext. 1050)

(Washington, DC, May 2, 2023) – Today, Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Jamie Raskin and Representative Jared Huffman, alongside other Congressional Freethought Caucus members, introduced a resolution to recognize May 4, 2023 as a “National Day of Reason.” 

The National Day of Reason celebrates science, logic, and reason as guiding principles of our secular democracy, and promotes greater awareness of the constitutional separation of religion and government. The resolution “encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors to join in observing this day and focusing on the central importance of reason, critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social problems and promoting the welfare of humankind.”

Nicole Carr, Interim Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (AHA), said, “We are very grateful to Reps. Raskin and Huffman for once again introducing the National Day of Reason Resolution. The celebration of reason as a guiding tenet of our democracy is important to humanists across the country, especially as true religious freedom is coming increasingly under threat.”

Humanist and nontheist communities around the country will celebrate the National Day of Reason as part of a nationwide Secular Week of Action, an opportunity to make positive change in their communities through volunteerism. Those interested in demonstrating their support for a National Day of Reason are encouraged to visit nationaldayofreason.org to find information for organizing local action and a template to request a proclamation recognizing the NDoR in their communities, read government statements and media coverage from previous years, and extend official organizational endorsement.

“I applaud the efforts of Reps. Raskin and Huffman, as well as the entire Congressional Freethought Caucus, on introducing this critical resolution. While white Christian nationalists throughout the United States attempt to distort the freethinking, secular values of this nation via misinformation, censorship, and attacks on democracy, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies in Congress in support of science, reason, and democracy,” said Lily Bolourian, Legal and Policy Director

Learn more about the National Day of Reason at nationaldayofreason.org.

Read the resolution here.