Support an education for all Michigan students that reflects their communities' journeys and histories!
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BACKGROUND
Michigan is home to many diverse communities and backgrounds. According to the 2020 Census, BIPOC communities make up about 26.1% of the population – 13.7% Black/African American, 5.6% Hispanic/Latino, 3.3% Asian, 0.6% American Indian/Alaska Native, and less than 1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Additionally, 6.3% identify as ‘two or more races’ and 2.2% as ‘some other race.’ However, the US Census does not identify Middle Eastern and Jewish populations separately. Michigan’s child population is 16.1% Black, 8.8% Hispanic/Latino, 3.5% Asian, 0.6% American Indian, and 5.1% identify as ‘two or more races’.
An inclusive history bill package 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.
The Teach MI History coalition was formed to support this legislation and it is made up of students, parents, educators, advocates, and advocacy organizations across the state. The coalition is working with Senator Stephanie Chang, Senator Erika Geiss, and Representative Ranjeev Puri to introduce a new multicultural inclusive curriculum bill package in the 2024-2025 legislative session.
THE ISSUE
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 legitimate 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 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 rhetorics have been on the rise. With continuous harmful language regarding immigration and our borders, there has been a rise in hate crimes against Latinos in recent years. Black and African Americans in the US continue to be the top target for hate crimes, according to FBI statistics.
One 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.
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THE SOLUTION
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 inclusive curriculum bill would require public schools to provide instruction that highlights:
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History of the diaspora of the various multicultural communities in Michigan and the Midwest
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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
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Contributions made by the different ethnic communities to government, the arts, humanities, sciences, and the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the US
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Solidarity between historically marginalized communities, especially during the civil rights movement.
TAKE ACTION
State lawmakers should join the organizations, educators, students, and community members who are part of the TEACH MI HISTORY campaign in supporting this critical legislation. It will bring Michigan one step closer to an inclusive classroom and state for all.
Are you interested in joining this effort? Click the button below to sign up for more information on how you can help get this legislation passed