Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB149

Introduced
1/16/23  

Caption

Education - Curriculum - Unit of Instruction on September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks

Impact

The incorporation of this instructional unit aims to provide a comprehensive educational framework that includes age-appropriate and interdisciplinary approaches. Guidelines for the content will be developed by the State Board of Education by January 1, 2024, ensuring consistency with other grade-level requirements. This initiative reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing historical education, particularly concerning events that have shaped the national landscape.

Summary

Senate Bill 149 mandates that all public schools and participating nonpublic schools in Maryland include a unit of instruction in their curriculum about the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This requirement will begin in the academic year 2024-2025, establishing a formal framework for how the events and impacts of that day are taught to students. The bill seeks to enrich students' understanding of significant historical events and promote a greater appreciation for national history.

Contention

While the bill focuses on history education, it raises discussions regarding how mature topics like terrorism and national tragedy are approached in academic settings. Some educators and parents may debate the appropriateness of certain details for younger students or the potential for such education to shape students' perceptions of national identity and security. Furthermore, while nonpublic schools that do not participate in state-funded programs are encouraged to adopt similar curricula, the bill does not impose a requirement on them, leading to possible disparities in educational experiences.

Companion Bills

MD SB237

Carry Over Education - Curriculum - Unit of Instruction on September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks

Previously Filed As

MD SB237

Education - Curriculum - Unit of Instruction on September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks

MD HB6479

To limit the availability of a plea deal for any person responsible for the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

MD SR6

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

MD HB1241

Education - Curriculum - Study of the Holocaust (Educate to Stop the Hate Act)

MD SB837

Education – Curriculum – Study of the Holocaust (Educate to Stop the Hate Act)

MD HR670

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all 50 States should include the events of the September 11th terrorist attacks in the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools so that people in the United States may never forget that fateful day.

MD SB285

In terms and courses of study, providing for instruction in the events and significance of September 11, 2001.

MD SB1058

Education - Curriculum Standards - Antihate and Holocaust Education (Educate to Stop the Hate Act)

MD S1470

Provides workers' compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

MD HB06160

An Act Concerning A Sign On Route 8 Indicating The Location Of Torrington's Memorial To The Victims Of The September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.