(CBS DETROIT)A set of measures to include a curriculum that emphasizes the history of minority communities has been put forth by a group of Democrats in the Michigan Senate.
According to a news release, the “Teach MI History” measures are a supplement to legislation that is anticipated to be submitted in the Michigan House in December. Senators Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) introduced the three new legislation.
“History is a collective heritage that is ours. In a statement, Camilleri stated, “Every student should be taught about the hardships and victories of their communities and cultures.” Equally important, Michigan’s youth should see themselves represented in the tales of accomplishments and contributions that demonstrate how individuals who resemble them and come from similar backgrounds have surmounted significant challenges to influence history. These bills will guarantee that our kids know they can create history too and that their accomplishments will be recognized and appreciated as they grow older.
According to a news release, if passed, the first bill (SB 1145) will go into effect for the 2027–2028 academic year. The state’s education boards would then have to “ensure that one unit of instruction covering communities” in the history curriculum of the district. African American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latino, Hispanic American, and Caribbean, Native American, Arab, Chaldean, North African, and Jewish Americans are some of these communities.
Under a second bill (SB 1146), administrators and teachers would have to complete cultural competency training that emphasizes implicit prejudice, inclusivity, and the problems and contributions faced by minority communities. Additionally, by June 2026, the Michigan Department of Education would have to give schools access to materials for professional development on inclusion.
A cultural history advisory board would be established by the third measure (SB 1147), which would advise the education department on professional development. K–12 educators, a member of the school board, representatives from organizations that assist teachers, and people from higher education would all be on the board.
“A curriculum that only includes the histories ofsomecommunities is a disservice to our young people, limiting their perception of our state and country and the people of color who have helped make it what it is today,” Change stated in a press release. “The history of all people of color should be taught to my daughters’ generation, recognizing both the difficulties they have encountered and the numerous achievements they have made to our state and country. One of the most effective strategies against hate is a more inclusive history curriculum, which broadens perspectives, develops critical thinking abilities, and promotes greater understanding amongst individuals from diverse backgrounds. That is more important than ever.
According to Michigan K-12 Social Studies Standards, state law requires districts to incorporate grade-appropriate instruction about genocide, including the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, beginning the 2016-2017 school year for grades 8-12.
The proposal, according to lawmakers, expands on initiatives to allocate funds for inclusive history curriculum programs in the state budget for 2024. The 2023-2024 School Aid Bill provided $6 million to local districts to develop plans for professional learning on teaching American history, such as the history of minority communities, and purchase educational resources for teaching American history in middle and high schools.
“As the only Afro-Caribbean-Latina member of the Michigan Legislature, I know firsthand how critical culturally inclusive education is for the prosperity of our youth and our society as a whole,” Geiss said in a statement. “Because children of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds should see themselves represented in the curriculum they’re learning in school, my legislation would create a cultural history advisory board to help ensure MDE and school districts have the tools and knowledge needed to teach Michigan children the rich histories of marginalized communities. This is good public policy that will not only help break down implicit biases and discriminatory rhetoric but will also encourage multiracial understanding and strengthen critical thinking skills among our youth.”
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