TEACH MI HISTORY CAMPAIGN

Support an education for all Michigan students that reflects their communities' journeys and histories!

Michigan is home to many diverse communities. According to the 2020 Census, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities make up about 26.1% of the population – 13.7% Black/African American, 5.6% Hispanic/Latino, 3.4% Asian and Pacific Islander, and 0.6% American Indian/Alaska Native. Additionally, 6.3% identify as ‘two or more races.’ The US Census does not identify Middle Eastern and North African, and Jewish populations separately. Michigan’s children population, totalling over 2 million, is 16.1% Black, 8.8% Hispanic/Latino, 3.5% Asian, 0.6% American Indian, and 5.1% identify as ‘two or more races’. Additionally, 14% of Michigan’s children are from immigrant families.

Inclusive history curriculum legislation was introduced in 2022 in the Michigan Legislature to require public schools to teach the history and civic impact of various ethnic and cultural groups in Michigan and the US to ensure that people of color and Indigenous communities' cultures, voices, contributions, and histories are uplifted in public schools across Michigan.

In November of 2024, the Teach MI History bill package (SB 1145-1147 and HB 6246-6248) was introduced in both the House and the Senate, and builds upon the 2022 bills. This bill package is much more comprehensive and creates an advisory board and professional development learning program for teachers, in addition to requiring public schools to teach multicultural and inclusive history curriculum. Unfortunately, the bill package failed to pass either chamber before the end of the 2024 legislative term.

The Teach MI History coalition was formed in 2023 to support this legislation and is made up of students, parents, educators, advocates, and advocacy organizations across the state. As a coalition, we have been working with Senator Stephanie Chang, Senator Erika Geiss, Senator Darrin Camilleri, Representative Matt Koleszar, Representative Jason Hoskins, and Representative Veronica Paiz to reintroduce the Teach MI History bill package in the 2025 legislative session.

BACKGROUND

The current Michigan K-12 social studies curriculum barely scratches the surface when it comes to inclusive multicultural history in schools. The curriculum briefly discusses African-American history, why diverse groups migrate to Michigan, the Anishinaabek and other Indigenous Peoples living in Michigan today, how immigration affects the growth of Michigan, and more. We need a more in-depth look at our diverse communities and how they shape Michigan today.

With currently over 500,000 BIPOC students across the state, exclusion from the curriculum means that students don’t see themselves in the education they receive – contributing to the long-standing erasure of the various diverse communities that built the Michigan we live in today. Even worse, a lack of knowledge and understanding of these communities is a root cause of the hostility and violence so many BIPOC Michiganders endure. There is a need to address the academic and social needs for students in Michigan to ensure they are better equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate our increasingly growing diverse society.

We’ve seen a tragic resurgence of violence against AAPI people, with reported increased instances of bullying and harassment since the start of the COVID pandemic. After 9/11, members of the South Asian and Middle Eastern communities were targeted heavily and discriminated against, with sometimes deadly results. As of late, anti-Arab, Islamophobic, and antisemitic rhetoric have been on the rise. With continuous harmful language regarding immigration and our borders in recent years, there has also been a rise in hate crimes against Latinos. According to FBI statistics, Black and African Americans in the US continue to be the top target for hate crimes.

The best way for us to keep youth safe from hate is to educate teachers and classmates about the BIPOC communities in the US and Michigan in an accurate and appropriate way.

THE ISSUE

TEACH MI HISTORY Petition

Multicultural history is American history. Ensuring that inclusive curriculum is taught in public K-12 schools is the long-term solution to combating the lack of understanding around diverse cultural communities that leads to hate at the systemic level. An inclusive multicultural curriculum is a vital tool in preventing racially charged bullying, supporting student development, and addressing youth mental health issues that stem from feeling unseen or misunderstood while improving academic performance, attendance rates, and graduation rates. Students are more likely to graduate and engage more with the curriculum through courses like ethnic studies – they are also more personally empowered and connected to their communities.

THE SOLUTION

The inclusive curriculum bill would require public schools to provide instruction that highlights:

History of the diaspora of the various multicultural communities in Michigan and the Midwest
Movements and policies that brought the people from various ethnic backgrounds to the US, including past policies and events that discriminated against, limited, or harmed their communities
Contributions made by the different ethnic communities to government, the arts, humanities, sciences, and the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the US
Solidarity between historically marginalized communities, especially during the civil rights movement.

Urge your state lawmakers to join the organizations, educators, students, and community members who are part of the TEACH MI HISTORY coalition in supporting this critical legislation. Passing the Teach MI History Act will bring Michigan one step closer to an inclusive classroom and state for all.

TAKE ACTION

Are you interested in joining this effort? Sign up for more information on how you can help get this legislation passed.

TEACH MI HISTORY Petition