GOV SIGNS BILL TO ENSURE CULTURALLY COMPETENT HISTORY IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS

(May 28) – Gov Polis signed a bill by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, and Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to ensure the inclusion of the history of American-Indians, Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans in social studies courses in Colorado’s classrooms.

“Our diversity is what makes our country and our state strong but for too long, individuals and communities that have moved or immigrated here and those that have been here for many centuries communities have been excluded from our teaching of history,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “With an increase in division among some of our communities, it will be beneficial for all children and youth to learn about each other’s background and to be able to see themselves in the history books.”

HB19-1192 was signed at the Corky Gonzales Library in Denver. Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez is the granddaughter of Chicano leader Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales.

Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, is the Senate co-prime sponsor. All three bill sponsors are Latinx women in their first year at the state legislature.

“Teaching inclusive curriculum boosts test scores and student engagement,” said Rep. Buentello when the bill passed the House. “I’m proud to sponsor this bill to ensure that the history taught in our state is truly inclusive and tells our country’s full story.”

This bill would establish a 16-member commission to provide recommendations to the Department of Education so that those standards and programs accurately reflect the history, culture, social contributions and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including the contributions and influence of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans.

Parents, teachers, administrators and school board members testified in support of the bill at the House Education committee hearing this year.

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