Under a new law approved by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritker public schools will be required to teach LGBT history and the contributions of LGBTQ people. The new law, signed by the Governor three weeks ago, requires lessons highlighting noteworthy lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
The LGBTQ focused curriculum must be taught before students reach the eight grade and is scheduled to go into effect in 2020.
All textbooks “must include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act and must be non-discriminatory as to any of the characteristics under the Act,” the bill states.
“One of the best ways to overcome intolerance is through education and exposure to different people and viewpoints,” Democratic state Sen. Heather Steans of Chicago, one of the bill’s Senate sponsors, said in a news release obtained by the Tribune. “An inclusive curriculum will not only teach an accurate version of history but also promote acceptance of the LGBTQ community.”
State Rep. Anna Moeller said in a release that Illinois is the fifth state in the country to adopt a law of this nature.
“The new law’s goal is simple: to understand that people from different backgrounds deserve the same opportunity to learn and be recognized for their contributions in society as everyone else,” Moeller said.
The curriculum will include topics ranging from the country’s first gay rights organization — the Society for Human Rights, launched in Chicago in 1924 — to a spotlight on Sally Ride, the first US woman in space who was also gay, Unilad reported.
