Black History is American History Act This bill requires entities (e.g., institutions of higher education, libraries, and museums), in order to be eligible for certain grants administered by the Department of Education (ED), to include Black history in their teaching of American history. It also requires Black history to be included in tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Specifically, the bill mandates the inclusion of Black history as a required component of American history for such entities to be eligible for American History and Civics Academies' competitive grants. These grants support the establishment of (1) Presidential Academies for Teachers of American History and Civics, which offer workshops to teachers of American history and civics to strengthen their knowledge and prepare them to teach in these subjects; and (2) Congressional Academies for Students of American History and Civics, which support high school students in developing an understanding of these subjects. (Currently, Black history is not a required component of American history for either academy.) In addition, ED must give priority to grant applicants that align their activities with programs and resources of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture. The bill also requires the inclusion of Black history in tests administered by the NAEP, which measures student academic achievement in various subjects.
If enacted, HB 844 would amend existing federal education laws to include African American history specifically within the scope of American history education. This would encourage schools and educational institutions to integrate African American perspectives into their curriculum, providing students with a more holistic understanding of their nation's history. In turn, this may foster inclusivity and promote awareness of the significant role that African Americans have played in shaping the fabric of society.
House Bill 844, titled the 'Black History is American History Act,' is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the educational framework related to African American history within the United States. The bill mandates the Secretary of Education to grant funds to eligible organizations for the development of educational programs. These programs will cover various aspects of African American history, encompassing their roles in the foundation and development of America, the ongoing effects of slavery, and their contributions to society, culture, and laws throughout American history. The intent of the bill is to foster a comprehensive understanding of Black history as an integral part of the broader American narrative.
There may be notable discussions surrounding HB 844 regarding the appropriateness and implementation of such historical narratives in educational programs. Supporters argue that acknowledging the contributions of African Americans in teaching American history is crucial for accurate representation and social justice. However, there may also be opposition from those who believe that such requirements could lead to ideological bias in education or that they may be implemented inconsistently across diverse educational settings. The bill's approach to funding and curriculum development will likely be scrutinized, particularly regarding its efficacy and the scope of historical perspectives it seeks to promote.