SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois Senate has approved requiring public schools to teach LGBT history.
The Senate voted 34-18 Wednesday on the plan by Chicago Democratic Sen. Heather Steans.
It would require schools to teach a history unit on the role in society and contributions of gays, lesbians and other LGBT individuals .
Steans says it is consistent with state law that already requires students learn the history of races or ethnicities like blacks, Asians, Hungarians, and French people.
California is the only state with an LGBT education law. It was enacted in 2017.
Republican Sen. Chuck Weaver of Peoria says the initiative could infringe on religious freedom. Other Republicans say schools would maintain control over how the topic is taught.
The legislation goes to the House.
jeromecf on May 3rd, 2018 at 06:59 UTC »
Ok I’m for this but when is school going to start teaching money management, credit, investing, etc?
always_under_the_gun on May 3rd, 2018 at 06:57 UTC »
Why is everything in the US separated? There is no "black history" that's actually just history. Teaching about great people overcoming adversity is great and things associated with prejudice of one type or another is also good but they should be part of every class.
ThinkerPlus on May 3rd, 2018 at 02:53 UTC »
The problem with history is it's so very BIG. Out of all the perspectives times and events which do you select to study?
I'm not against the Illinois plan. I just wonder if there's any selection we can say is more worthy of study than it's competitors.