A state legislative proposal would make sure schools teach about LGBTQ people who made history. Equality Illinois, an LGBTQ advocacy group, says many of the state’s school-aged children who don’t identify as heterosexual feel left out of history lessons. Mike Ziri is the group’s Public Policy Director.
“The phrase we often hear is that history has been set a little too straight, and that the contributions of LBGTQ people are not included by omission.” Ziri says.
Ziri says the aim of changing curriculum is so those kids feel like they’re an accepted part of society today. Laurie Higgins of the conservative Illinois Family Institute says it’s ok to teach about people like astronaut Sally Ride.
“I see no reason to tell young children that she was a lesbian. I don’t see any reason for that.” Higgins says.
The proposal would require that schools buy textbooks that are simply non-discriminatory and portray a diverse society.
Story Source: NPR Illinois