Detroit Evening Report: State legislators introduce bills to require inclusive history lessons in schools

Democratic state senators introduced two bills on Tuesday that would require Michigan schools to teach more inclusive history lessons.

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Under Senate Bills 1145 and 1147, all Michigan school districts would incorporate curriculum on the histories and contributions of communities of color within their classrooms. The “Teach MI History” legislation, introduced by Sens. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), and Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), would also require cultural competency training for teachers and create a “cultural advisory board” within the Michigan Department of Education.

State Reps. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) and Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) are expected to introduce companion bills in the House next month.

“This is not just about teaching history — we are fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and the critical thinking skills our students need to thrive in an interconnected world,” said Puri. “This curriculum is about ensuring that every student sees themselves in the story of our country and is equipped to build a more inclusive future.”

With Republicans taking control of the state House in January, Democratic lawmakers don’t have much time to pass legislation and have it signed into law before the end of the year. This legislation aims to build upon last year’s efforts, when state legislators included funding in the 2024 state budget for inclusive history curriculum pilot programs and a toolkit for MDE to assist school districts in those efforts.

Other headlines for Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024:

• Seven affordable housing programs in Detroit are receiving funding from a nearly $18 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis — the most grant money the bank has ever invested in the state.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Detroit District and the Great Lakes Water Authority are holding a public meeting from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2 at East Lake Baptist Church, to discuss the Southeast Michigan Flood Risk Management Study. Sessions will also be held on Dec. 4 in Dearborn, Dec. 9 in Waterford, Dec. 10 in Sterling Heights and Dec. 16 in Grosse Pointe.
• The Detroit Fire Department is planning to install 5,000 smoke alarms in city homes over the next year. To request information or to request fire alarm installation for your home, email communityrelations@detroitmi.gov. 
• The Propitious Spot is looking for vendors for its Dec. 21 holiday event, Santa’s Spot: A Warm Winter Gathering. Confirmed offerings for attendees include photos with Santa, S’mores, a hot chocolate bar and holiday music. Interested vendors can email info@kmproseries.com for more information.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.