House Bill 246 promoting an inclusive curriculum on the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) community was signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker on August 16, 2019.
The bill was passed by the United States Senate and House earlier this year and the curriculum will be implemented in Illinois public schools on July 2020.
Following the approval of House Bill 246 in Illinois, United States (US), students from public schools will be taught LGBTQ’s contributions and tasks.
This amendment was introduced by Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller, whose objective was to promote inclusivity in the US history syllabus.
LGBTQ law acknowledges history education
The enacted bill specified that history teaching regarding LGBTQ could only take place in public schools. This will entail a study of the gains and tasks of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. Notably, it will be based on the history of both the state and nation.
One of the most prominent LGBTQ advocacy group, Equality Illinois, is hopeful that the new syllabus could positively impact students on issues of self-image.
As a result, learners will be acknowledged more, irrespective of their backgrounds.
LGBTQ topics
Some of the subjects to be covered under the new syllabus will include the first gay rights groups in the United States.
Moreover, the first woman to land in space from the US will be acknowledged as she belonged to the lesbian community.
Heather Steans, Illinois State Senator, asserted that intolerance could be overcome through exposure and education. She noted that this would be instrumental in tackling different viewpoints and people.
Senator Steans was also involved in sponsoring this bill as she believes the topics taught will make learners appreciate the notable contributions presented by LGBTQ individuals.
Exponents of the bill believed that an inclusive syllabus will be pivotal in boosting LGBTO’s community acceptance and teaching history accurately.
The new LGBTQ syllabus in Illinois follows an expansion in New York City’s education department guidelines that stipulated the adherence to LGBTQ rights and gender inclusion at school.
