    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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 up

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    holding 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.
    DONALD J. TRUMP