LGBT History Gains In Illinois

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They may not know the Bill of Rights, but students are being asked to broaden their base of knowledge in ways never before imagined, at least by most taxpayers. “This week the Illinois Senate voted to require public schools to teach LGBT history,” Brenda Iaservoli reported in Education Week on May 4, 2018. “The bill aims to ensure that history classes in public schools include lessons on ‘the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this state.'”

“Regional superintendents would be required to ensure the rule is enforced. If the bill is made into law, Illinois would become just the second state to require public schools to teach LGBT history. In 2012, California became the first with passage of the Fair Education Act. Last week, Massachusetts announced a new LGBT curriculum that will be released in the summer. The Massachusetts curriculum, however, is not required.”

“If California is any indicator, a law requiring LGBT-inclusive teaching doesn’t necessarily ensure the lessons will be delivered to classrooms right away. California’s mandate has been on the books for six years now, yet it took until late last year before the state approved K-8 textbooks that include discussion of LGBT individuals.”