Connecticut lawmakers passed a law that would require high schools in the state to offer African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino studies beginning in the fall of 2022.
What We Know:
- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced the legislation in a news release on Wednesday, after signing the law, Public Act 19-12, last year. The law requires high schools in the state to “include an elective course of studies at the high school level that provides students with a better understanding of the African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino contributions to United States history, society, economy, and culture.”
- Gov. Lamont stated that “this is a step that is long overdue.” “Increasing the diversity of what we teach is critical to providing students with a better understanding of who we are as a society and where we are going.”
“Adding this course in our high schools will be an enormous benefit not only to our Black and Latino students, but to students of all backgrounds because everyone can benefit from these studies,” he continued.
- Connecticut’s education commissioner, Miguel Cardona, acknowledged the importance of the law, especially since 27% of students in the state identify as Hispanic or Latino and 13% identify as Black or African-American. In a statement, he said, “This curriculum acknowledges that by connecting the story of people of color in the U.S. to the larger story of American history. The fact is that more inclusive, culturally relevant content in classrooms leads to greater student engagement and better outcomes for all.”
- Although schools are required to offer the courses in their curriculum, students are not required to take the classes. The development process was guided by a 150-member advisory group made up of educators, administrators, higher education professors and scholars, national researchers and historians, representatives from education and community organizations, and students’ families.
Connecticut lawmakers are being celebrated for passing this law, which is the first of its kind. Similar efforts for diversity in education are shown in Philadelphia’s law to require public school students to take an African American history course in 2005. In Los Angeles, students are required to take an ethnic studies class.
