I wanted to drop a quick line and update you on our work related to the new Learn from History coalition. That coalition, and the vital work it sets out to do, was highlighted in a recent news article by the Illinois Times for some Illinois connections and national reach.
Mimi Rodman, Stand for Children Illinois’ Executive Director, noted that our state has made strides recently when it comes to how schools address race, but noted that more work must be done to ensure students learn a complete and accurate history. “Vigilance is very much called for here,” she said, pointing to the ongoing work.
Learn from History, a coalition of which Stand is a member, was formed to take a stand against efforts to ban teaching about racism and other forms of oppression in public K-12 schools. For students to create a better society, schools need a provide a thorough, accurate, and fact-based history education and teach students to reject racism and respect the equal value of every person.
This group effort includes members like the AASA, the school superintendents’ association; the American Federation of Teachers; Educators for Excellence; the National School Boards Association; Teach Plus, and many more partner organizations.
You can learn more about Learn from History and join this vital work at LearnFromHistory.org. There, you’ll find toolkits to help ensure that schools can continue teaching fact-based history. You can also add your name in support and stay updated on the latest coalition news.
