Illinois state representative La Shawn Ford along with other leaders in education and politics gathered in Evanston to ask the Illinois State Board of Education to halt history classes in schools until the curriculum can be changed.

Ford is claiming that the current curriculum reinforces racism and overlooks the historical contributions from women and minorities.

Ford is also pushing a bill that would require all elementary schools in the state teach students about the civil rights movement.

Until the curriculum can be changed Ford and other leaders are requesting the state halt history classes.

“When it comes to teaching history in Illinois, we need to end the miseducation of Illinoisans. 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. Until a suitable alternative is developed, we should instead devote greater attention toward civics and ensuring students understand our democratic processes and how they can be involved. I’m also alarmed that people continue to display symbols of hate, such as the recent display of the Confederate flag in Evanston.”
– La Shawn Ford

A decision has not been made about the proposed bill.

This article has been republished; it originally appeared at https://americaskeepersinc.com/2020/08/leaders-in-chicago-push-to-abolish-history-classes/