This bill amends the Revised School Code to require that, starting in the 2027-2028 school year, all school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies in Michigan include age- and grade-appropriate units of instruction on various cultural histories in their history curricula. The mandated instruction will cover Black history, Indigenous Peoples history, Asian American and Pacific Islander history, Latin American, Hispanic American, and Caribbean American history, Middle Eastern, North African, and Chaldean American history, and Jewish American history. Each unit will highlight significant contributions and historical events related to these communities, including their roles in civil rights advancements and the impact of discriminatory policies. The Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction is tasked with developing instructional materials that align with state social studies standards, incorporating input from relevant cultural centers and experts.

Additionally, the bill specifies that instruction on both Jewish American history and European American history must be included, detailing the contributions of these groups and their historical contexts. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the instruction, ensuring it is appropriate for all students and does not promote bias or discrimination. The bill also revises existing laws regarding core academic curriculum standards to focus solely on academic and cognitive instruction, excluding non-essential attitudes or beliefs. Furthermore, the state board is responsible for ensuring that the curriculum includes age-appropriate instruction on historical events such as genocide and discrimination against marginalized populations, as defined under the Elliott-Larsen civil rights act.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1278