Proposed Priorities for the American History and Civics Education Programs

Led by GLSEN, these comments support the Department of Education’s proposed priorities regarding the American History and Civics Education programs. However, they also recommend expanding Priority 1 to explicitly include the perspectives and experiences of LGBTQ+ folks and women. Failing to include the contributions of LGBTQ+ folks and women—including women at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities—would cause the department to fall short of its goal of “supporting teaching and learning that reflects the breadth and depth of our Nation’s diverse history and the vital role of diversity in our Nation’s democracy.” Additionally, research has shown that inclusive curricula can help LGBTQ students feel safer and more accepted in school and can lead to better academic performance and greater social-emotional health.

Read the full comments here.