Public school students would learn more about Native American experience and history under a bill advancing in the Illinois legislature.
Rockford Representative Maurice West says kids need a deeper look into the history of Native Americans in Illinois and their role in contemporary society. His legislation requires these lessons in elementary through high school.
“Teaching our children true Native American history will not only teach them of the things we are ashamed of, but also the contributions of Native Americans that benefited our state. This bill has given the voice to the very first of us.”
The bill passed the House 75-32, with opponents critical of adding another unfunded mandate to schools and not having a say about what the curriculum might cover. It now moves to the Senate.
