LGBTQ+ History in Schools

Illinois Law Requires LGBTQ+ History in Public Schools

By: Lucy Dollinger

A new law in Illinois requires public schools to include LGBTQ history and non-discriminatory information in textbooks. The law passed on August 9th, 2019 and has gone into effect on July 1st, 2020 (Illinois General Assembly, 2020).

The official law states that:

“Amends the School Code. With regard to the textbook block grant program, provides that the textbooks authorized to be purchased 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. Provides that textbooks purchased with grant funds must be non-discriminatory. Provides that in public schools only, the teaching of history of the United States shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State.”

The law ensures the inclusive education begins early by requiring the instruction to occur before the student has graduated from 8th grade (WAND, 2020).

It is important to teach LGBTQ+ history in schools because it provides representation for students to see themselves and accept themselves. As Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education Richard Carranza put it, “it’s not enough to tell students that they will be accepted for who they are. We must show them, in the literature we read, in the language we use, and in the way we invest our resources, that we are a deeply connected society made up of different voices and perspectives that all deserve to be seen, heard, and respected” (Carranza, 2018.)

Additionally, it is important to highlight the history of discrimination and oppression that the LGBTQ+ community has faced. Including accurate and inclusive historical accounts in the classroom will lead to higher quality education for all students. The passing of this law in Illinois is one step in the direction towards inclusion and equality for all people regardless of sexuality or gender. 

Sources:

Carranza, R. (2018). Why it’s so important to include LGBTQ education in schools. Teen vogue magazine. Retrieved from https://www.teenvogue.com/story/why-its-so-important-to-include-lgbtq-education-in-schools 

Illinois General Assembly. (2020). Bill status for HB0246. Retrieved from https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=246&GAID=15&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=114183&SessionID=108&GA=101

WAND. (2020). New laws require LGBTQ history, civics education to be taught in Illinois schools. Retrieved from https://www.wandtv.com/news/new-laws-require-lgbtq-history-civics-education-to-be-taught-in-illinois-schools/article_e27ecf12-bbbf-11ea-a537-f75212bffd5f.html