Florida House Bill H1139

Florida 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Failed: 3/8/24

Caption

Required Instruction in History of African Americans

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to have significant implications on the educational standards and curriculum used across Florida's school districts. It mandates that instructional personnel not only teach a broader account of African American history, including the contributions of African Americans in various fields, but also develop an understanding of the consequences of prejudice and racism. Schools will be required to include materials that provide an accurate representation of this history while fostering discussions that cultivate respect and the appreciation of diversity.

Summary

House Bill 1139 aims to amend the instruction requirements within Florida's public school system regarding the history of African Americans. The bill proposes a comprehensive educational framework that revises existing guidelines to ensure the inclusion of various aspects of African American history, particularly focusing on the sociopolitical circumstances surrounding slavery. It emphasizes the necessity for students to understand the political parties that supported slavery by adopting pro-slavery ideologies as part of their platforms. This educational initiative seeks to enhance students' awareness of historical injustices and their ramifications on individual freedoms.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 1139 is the stipulation that classroom instructional materials and discussions should not be used to indoctrinate students towards specific viewpoints that conflict with established state principles or academic standards. Critics may argue that this clause could limit educators' ability to engage in open discussions about sensitive topics, particularly those related to racial issues. Additionally, while the bill aims to promote a more inclusive understanding of history, there may be concerns from some factions regarding the politicization of educational content and how it aligns with the broader state educational policies.