The Colorado State Board of Education will be voting this Thursday regarding whether to approve the June 2022 Recommended Final Revisions to the Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade Social Studies Standards. The revision of the Social Studies Standards was required by House Bill 19-1192 Inclusion of American Minorities in Teaching Civil Government. This law calls for social studies instruction to include the history, culture, and social contributions of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans, and Asian Americans, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals within these minority groups, the contributions and persecution of religious minorities, and the intersectionality of significant social and cultural features within these communities.

Based on the League’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the League of Women Voters of Colorado believes the earlier drafts of the Social Studies Standards Revisions, such as the November 2021 recommendations issued by the History, Culture, Social Contributions, and Civil Government in Education Commission, are more inclusive and representative of all of Colorado’s diverse citizenry now and throughout its history than the June 2022 Final Recommended Revisions. The earlier revisions better honor the intent of HB19-1192 Inclusion of American Minorities in Teaching Civil Government.

Click here to read the November 2021 recommendations issued by the History, Culture, Social Contributions, and Civil Government in Education Commission

Click here to read the June 2022 Final Recommended Revisions