In an effort to foster a more inclusive educational environment in Michigan's school system, a group of state senators has introduced the "Teach MI History" bills aimed at expanding the history curriculum to better reflect the stories and contributions of communities of color. According to Senate Democrats' official statement, Sens. Stephanie Chang, Darrin Camilleri, and Erika Geiss seek to overhaul the way history is taught to Michigan students, ensuring that lessons become a true representation of the state's diverse population.
The proposed legislation, which includes Senate Bills 1145-1147 outlines, a requirement for Michigan school districts to incorporate histories of African Americans; Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Latino Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Caribbean Americans; Native Americans; Arab Americans, Chaldean Americans, and North Africans; and Jewish Americans beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. "A curriculum that only includes the histories of some communities is a disservice to our young people, limiting their perception of our state and country and the people of color who have helped make it what it is today," Sen. Chang explained, "A more inclusive history curriculum broadens minds, increases critical thinking skills, and fosters greater understanding between people of different backgrounds — one of the most powerful tools against hate. That’s needed now more than ever," she told Senate Democrats.
The bills also include a provision for cultural competency training for educators, aimed at addressing and unpacking the implicit biases that can be present in the education system. Senate Bill 1146, sponsored by Sen. Chang, directs the Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE) to develop and provide schools with these training resources by June 2026. Acknowledging the prevailing diversity in the classroom, this training is aimed, not only at enhancing the understanding and inclusion of different cultures but also at providing a more accurate and resonant educational experience for all students.
Further promoting inclusion, Senate Bill 1147 proposes the creation of a cultural history advisory board within the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). The bill is sponsored by Senator Geiss, emphasized its significance: "My legislation would establish a cultural history advisory board to help ensure MDE and school districts have the resources and expertise needed to teach Michigan children the rich histories of marginalized communities — because kids of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds deserve to see themselves reflected in the curriculum they’re learning in school." Sen. Geiss asserted to Senate Democrats.
Last year’s state budget laid the foundation by funding pilot programs for inclusive history curriculum and developing toolkits to support diverse history instruction in schools. These new bills are designed to build on those efforts and further strengthen the commitment to a comprehensive, inclusive understanding of history that represents all races and ethnicities. As Rep. Puri stated, "This curriculum is about ensuring that every student sees themselves in the story of our country and is equipped to build a more inclusive future." The "Teach MI History" bills reflect Michigan's proactive approach amidst the national debate over education oversight, curriculum content, and the representation of race and ethnicity in the classroom, according to a press release from the Senate Democrats.
