The bill amends Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws to require all high schools to offer a yearlong ethnic studies course starting in the 2026-27 school year. This course will focus on American history and the experiences of racialized communities, including Native American, Black, Asian American, Arab American, and Latin American histories. It aims to foster critical thinking skills, improve educational outcomes, and will be a core social studies credit and a graduation requirement for students graduating in 2030 and beyond. Additionally, the bill mandates that each course include a student-led project aligned with state history and social studies standards.

To support the implementation of this ethnic studies curriculum, the bill establishes a student-led ethnic studies leadership council, which will consist of one student representative and teacher liaison from each school district, as well as representatives from five different community organizations that identify as youth-led. This council will oversee the development and evaluation of the curriculum and is expected to hold its first meeting by October 2025. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will provide instructional materials and work with school districts to enhance educator diversity and training in ethnic studies. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.