An Illinois lawmaker is calling on schools to abolish history classes until a new curriculum can be created that doesn’t create a “racist society.”
State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford has argued that “current school history teaching leads to white privilege and a racist society,” NBC5 reported.
“When it comes to teaching history in Illinois, we need to end the miseducation of Illinoisans,” the Democratic representative said in a statement.
“I’m calling on the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts to take immediate action by removing current history books and curriculum practices that unfairly communicate our history.”
Ford, who provided no specific examples from the current curriculum, said that until the textbooks and lessons are overhauled, the state “should instead devote greater attention toward civics and ensuring students understand our democratic processes and how they can be involved.”
Ford’s call to action came Sunday at a press conference in Evanston, where he was joined by other local leaders.
Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty said he wasn’t comfortable speaking about whether the curriculum should be suspended, but said he believes that black history should be taught to all students, CNN reported.
“I am interested in learning more and believe the history of black people should be taught to all children and include all groups, women, Latinx, and Native Indians who helped to build America,” he said.
