Illinois House Passes Bills Requiring Schools Teach LGBT History To Give Students ‘Role Models’
Tom Pappert
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A bill passed by the Illinois State House would require schools to teach LGBT history to give students “role models” within the community.
The Illinois House passed HB0246, requiring that all textbooks bought by the district “authorized to be purchased must include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act,” and require that they facilitate “the teaching of history of the United States shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history.”
State Representative Anna Moeller believes the bill will “give LGBT students a safe inclusive and welcoming environment,” and provide students with “accurate and improved history and understanding of how LGBT individuals and movements have contributed and shaped our world today.”
She also believes it will aid LGBT students by giving them positive “role models” to emulate.
Republican State Representative Tom Morrison questioned the importance of teaching sexuality to students when contacted by local media.
Illinois News Network reported:
“How or why is an historical figure’s sexuality or gender self-identification even relevant, especially when we’re talking about kindergarten and elementary school history?” Morrison said. “Furthermore, there’s no parental opt-out nor even any notification so the parents can know if, when or how to talk about these topics with their children.”
He also said it the measure would add another unfunded requirement to school districts, which are governed by locally elected school boards.
Additionally, the bill would be immune to balanced budget requirements in order to replace the current curriculum quickly.
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