Hawaii Senate Bill SR219

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/30/22
• Passed: 3/31/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Implement A Civil Rights Curriculum Plan For Public School Students.

Impact

If adopted, SR219 would require public schools in Hawaii to include a structured curriculum centered on the Civil Rights Movement across all educational levels, from elementary to high school. This initiative is aimed at enhancing civic engagement and promoting awareness of social and institutional inequalities that have historically affected various communities. By providing fact-based information, the curriculum is designed to empower students to engage thoughtfully in civic discourse.

Summary

Senate Resolution 219 (SR219) proposes that the Department of Education of Hawaii implement a civil rights curriculum plan for public school students. The resolution emphasizes the importance of educating students about the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the historical context of this pivotal era in American history. The focus is on the contributions of key figures, notably Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the fundamental principles of natural rights that underpinned the movement, seeking to foster a deeper understanding among students of these critical societal issues.

Contention

The resolution received a unanimous vote of support in the Senate Education Committee, passing with 3 yeas and no nays. This suggests a strong consensus regarding the necessity of such a curriculum among legislators. Nonetheless, there may be discussions on the details of its implementation, such as potential challenges in curricular standardization across diverse educational settings and whether existing resources are sufficient to support this new educational initiative.