Bill > SB21

This bill requires the Missouri State Board of Education to establish a "Humanity Education Curriculum Framework Work Group" to develop an age-appropriate curriculum for students in grades six through twelve focusing on the dehumanization of marginalized groups. The curriculum will cover topics such as historical and current dehumanization practices in Missouri, warning signs of dehumanization, intervention strategies, and the importance of understanding human rights. Specifically, the framework will include instruction about dehumanization experiences of African Americans, immigrant Americans, Native American tribes, and victims of exploitation and assault. The bill mandates a pilot program in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, initially involving up to 25 school districts, and includes the development of a "Celia Professional Development Program for Teachers" named after Celia, an enslaved woman who was executed in Missouri in 1855 after defending herself against sexual violence. The curriculum will be aligned with existing awareness weeks and months and will incorporate oral testimonies, historical resources, and potentially include class visits to historic sites. After the pilot program, the curriculum will be made available to all Missouri school districts and charter schools starting in the 2028-29 school year, with periodic updates by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=519