Colorado, Washington propose mandatory Black, AANHPI history in schools

Colorado lawmakers are pushing for the adoption of standards for teaching Black history in K-12 schools, emphasizing the importance of fully representing the contributions of Black Americans in the curriculum. The bill aims to create a committee within the Department of Education to aid in developing these standards, building on previous legislation from 2019. Meanwhile, in Washington state, Senate Bill 5574 is under consideration to mandate the integration of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history into public school curricula, with advocates stressing the need for representation in education amid rising hate crimes. Supporters of both bills argue that comprehensive education about diverse histories is crucial for fostering understanding and inclusion among students. The Colorado Black Caucus and a coalition of nearly 60 organizations in Washington are united in their efforts to enhance educational standards that reflect the full scope of America's diverse history. These legislative initiatives highlight a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive education in shaping well-rounded individuals.