Louisiana House Bill HCR28

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/19/21
• Refer: 4/20/21
• Report Pass: 5/5/21
• Engrossed: 5/12/21
• Refer: 5/13/21
• Report Pass: 6/2/21
• Passed: 6/7/21

Caption

Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study the possibility of allowing a course in African American Studies to satisfy certain curriculum requirements

Impact

The resolution aims to amend current educational requirements to align with the state's constitutional goal of providing equal opportunities for all students. By studying the potential for African American Studies to satisfy core curriculum requirements, the resolution could pave the way for the course to be recognized officially within the educational framework, thus enriching the high school experience and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in education.

Summary

HCR28 is a resolution introduced in the Louisiana Legislature that urges the Board of Regents and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to examine the feasibility of including a course in African American Studies as an option for fulfilling social studies requirements related to high school graduation and the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) awards. The resolution highlights the importance of allowing students more flexibility in choosing their coursework and recognizes the growing interest from students and parents in African American Studies as a vital area of educational content.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR28 appears to be generally positive, particularly among proponents who view the inclusion of African American Studies as a step forward in creating a well-rounded education system that reflects the history and contributions of African Americans. However, the discussion may also touch on concerns related to curriculum changes and the administrative processes required to implement such a change, leading to a nuanced debate around educational reforms.

Contention

One major point of contention involves the potential resistance to changing existing curriculum requirements, as any new classes must align with both state educational standards and the existing framework for the TOPS awards. Stakeholders may have differing views on how to incorporate these studies without compromising existing history and civics courses that are already mandated. The resolution calls for a collaborative evaluation and report to better inform lawmakers on the topic.