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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 3, 2019 01:10 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Angel Cruz |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Diverse and inclusive history lessons |
| Think back to when you were taught history in school. You probably learned about our nation’s independence, our Founding Fathers, former presidents and wars that shaped the future of our country such as the Revolutionary, Civil, and both World Wars. This history is of immense importance to our democracy and our identity as Americans. Unfortunately, our history, as traditionally taught through the public education system, is flawed because it is written only from one homogenous perspective -- that of white Anglo-Saxon men. Other races are often portrayed in negative, simplified, or victimized ways: African Americans with slavery, Native Americans with the “Trail of Tears” and Hispanics with the Mexican-American War. To ensure that our schools give students a more complete picture of history, I am proposing legislation to require African American, Native American and Hispanic history, culture and diversity be included in history lessons in our public schools. Research has shown that such studies lead to fewer absences, higher grades and better graduation rates. Additionally, these lessons help to bridge differences that exist in experiences and perspectives. If you believe like I do that history should include all our stories, regardless of culture or race, then please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925. |
Introduced as HB1393