Recognizing May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" in the State of Rhode Island and Affirming the Central Importance of Reason in the Betterment of Humanity

WHEREAS, The application of reason has been the essential precondition for humanity's extraordinary scientific, medical, technological, and social progress since before the founding of our country; and

WHEREAS, Reason provides vital hope today for confronting the environmental and societal challenges of our time, including: • The civilizational emergency of climate change; • The advancement of civil liberties for all, including the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and access to reproductive health care; and • Cultivating the rule of law, democratic institutions, justice, and peace among nations; and

WHEREAS, America’s founders insisted upon the primacy of reason and knowledge in public life, drafting the Constitution to prevent official establishment of religion and to protect freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry in civil society; and

WHEREAS, James Madison, author of the First Amendment and fourth President of the United States, stated, "The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty" and "Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives"; now, therefore it be

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors to join in the observance of this day and to focus on the central importance of reason, critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry in resolving social problems and promoting the welfare of humankind; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to John Mertus and Joe Burgio.