California is taking big strides toward inclusivity in education! Five years ago, Governor Jerry Brown signed a groundbreaking bill mandating public schools to teach students about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. Just yesterday, the State Board of Education gave the green light to implement these curriculum changes.
Starting in second grade, California students will learn about diverse family structures, including those with two moms or two dads. By fourth grade, they’ll dive into the story of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay elected official, who served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
High school senior Emma Rivera points out that while many of her peers can ace math and science, they might not know who Harvey Milk is or why the Stonewall Riots matter. “This new curriculum will help LGBT students feel more accepted,” she noted as one of the seven students who advocated for the inclusion of LGBT history in schools.
These updates to the K-8 curriculum stem from a law passed five years ago, which added LGBT Americans and individuals with disabilities to the groups that must be represented in school curricula and history textbooks. While some critics argue that it should be up to parents to discuss sexual orientation with their children, attempts to repeal this law have not gained traction.
In addition to learning about diverse families in second grade and California’s pivotal role in the gay rights movement in fourth grade, fifth and eighth graders will explore gender roles and historical figures who defied those norms. This curriculum expansion will carry on into high school as well.
Opponents to the changes claim that including LGBT history may overshadow other historical figures. One critic, David Lawson, even suggested that parents might be shocked to discover that LGBT History Month has linked the song “America the Beautiful” to lesbian pride, because its author, Katharine Lee Bates, had a long-term relationship with a woman.
Seriously? This is just plain old hate, fueled by fear and ignorance. Teaching kids about LGBT history won’t erase other important narratives; it enriches their understanding of America’s diverse fabric. As supporter and sociology professor at Sonoma State University, Mark Jennings, stated, “You can’t grasp our collective American experience without acknowledging our LGBT history.”
It’s about time we recognize the contributions of all Americans, including those who identify as gay.
For more on related topics, check out this blog post that dives deeper into home insemination and family planning. Additionally, if you’re looking for expert advice on pregnancy, American Pregnancy provides excellent resources. Plus, for those considering self-insemination, Make a Mom offers a comprehensive guide to the kits you’ll need.
In short, California is paving the way for a more inclusive education system that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of all its citizens. Teaching LGBT history is an important step towards creating a more understanding and accepting society.