AUGUSTA - A bill by Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, to incorporate African American studies into Maine's statewide learning standards is now law. The measure, signed by Gov. Janet Mills Wednesday, includes proposals introduced by Sen. Louie Luchini, D-Ellsworth, to also require the study of genocide and the Holocaust.
"By providing curricular support and direction for teaching African American history and culture, we will give educators the means to share a more thorough, honest view of our heritage in order to better inform our shared future," said Talbot Ross." Maine children can go through their entire educational experience - kindergarten through college - in our public schools today with little exposure to this history. Its absence is not only detrimental to African American students but to all of us. This measure brings forth efforts made by generations of Maine's African American community to have their experiences taught as part of our states history."
As amended, LD 1664 would add the study of African American history and culture and the study of genocide, including the Holocaust, to the Maine Department of Educations required units of instruction. It would also direct the department to convene a committee that would gather relevant materials and create tools for educators to carry out the new requirements.
"It's important for the next generations to learn from the terrible mistakes of the past. Education plays a critical role in combating racism, bigotry and hate. Students can learn the dangers of intolerance and the perils of inaction. I thank the students and teachers at Ellsworth High School for leading this debate, and I thank the committee for adding these provisions to Rep. Talbot Ross' bill," said Luchini.
Supporters of the bill say the requirements are necessary to make sure Maine students understand the past and the historical context of current events.
"Educational mandates are an important part of guaranteeing a quality education to our state's citizens. They are a necessary barrier between the mistakes of the past and similar mistakes in the future. They are also an important tool for exposing and beginning to heal the wounds of our past. They help instill an appropriate reverence for our rights and liberties," said Michael Kebede, policy counsel for the ACLU of Maine, at a public hearing on the measure.
Maine law already includes Maine Native American studies in the states educational requirements.
The new law will go into effect 90 days after final adjournment of the Legislative session.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Talbot Ross], c. 812-1111
Lisa Haberzettl [Luchini], 287-1515