Black and Latino Studies Curriculum Approved

December 2, 2020

State Representative Bobby Sanchez and State Senator Doug McCrory – co-chairs of the General Assembly's Education Committee – are pleased with the State Board of Education for approving an African American, Black, Latino and Puerto Rican curriculum in Connecticut's public schools.

"I am excited to see implementation of a bipartisan bill that will give students a better understanding of our local, state and national history," said Rep. Sanchez. "During public hearings last year students explained how history classes didn't reflect their heritage. Now they will learn about their ancestors and how they built this country."

"Far too often, the stories and achievements of people of color have not been covered in history classes offered to students in school. With the approval of this curriculum, we have taken a tremendous step forward in teaching a fuller history of our state and nation," said Sen. McCrory. "I applaud the State Board of Education for their resounding approval of the Black and Latino studies curriculum today (Wednesday). Further, I want to thank the students who passionately called for the passage of the legislation that led to the development of this curriculum."

Public Act No. 19-12, An Act Concerning the Inclusion of Black and Latino Studies in the Public School Curriculum passed with broad support in the General Assembly last year and was quickly signed by Gov. Ned Lamont.

Find more information about PA 19-12 on the State Education Resource Center website and here for the video History in the Making: African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies.

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