Illinois education and political leaders are calling for the Illinois State Board of Education to stop teaching history classes until a curriculum that they believe doesn’t push a racist narrative can be implemented.
“We’re concerned that current school history teachings lead to white privilege and a racist society,” state Rep. LaShawn Ford said.
“When it comes to teaching history in Illinois, we need to end the miseducation of Illinoisans,” he added. “I’m calling on the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts to take immediate action by removing current history books and curriculum practices that unfairly communicate our history. Until a suitable alternative is developed, we should instead devote greater attention toward civics and ensuring students understand our democratic processes and how they can be involved. I’m also alarmed that people continue to display symbols of hate, such as the recent display of the Confederate flag in Evanston.”
Local leaders at a Sunday press conference in Evanston, which is north of Chicago, met to discuss how the current history curriculum builds what they argue to be a racist society and doesn’t accurately depict contributions from minorities to the country.
“The miseducation of our children must stop,” said Meleika Gardner of We Will, an organization that “helps women and children get involved in the legislative process.”
“It is urgent that it comes to an end as we witness our current climate become more hostile. Miseducation has fed and continues to feed systemic racism for generations. If black history continues to be devalued and taught incorrectly, then it will call for further action,” she continued.
Ford sponsored a bill in July that calls for history classes to require the study of the Civil Rights Movement and to establish civil rights commemorative holidays, such as Humanitarian Day, Victims of Violence Wholly Day, and Dream Day.
The mayor of Evanston also addressed Ford’s call to abolish history classes over the weekend, saying he supports the politician’s bill.
“As mayor, I am not comfortable speaking on education, curriculum, and whether history lessons should be suspended. This is not my area. Personally, I support House Bill 4954 because I am interested in learning more and believe the history of black people should be taught to all children and include all groups: women, Latinx, and Native Indians who helped to build America,” Mayor Steve Hagerty said.