Bill > HB493

This bill designates November 14 as "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" to honor Ruby Bridges, who became the first African American student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 14, 1960. The bill originally required county boards of education to develop and implement educational programs for this commemorative day, including activities such as symbolic walks to school, instructional materials about civil rights, discussions and presentations about Ruby Bridges and the civil rights movement, and interactive projects focusing on diversity and justice. However, the revised bill modifies these requirements, now focusing on the State Department of Education developing model content for educational programs. This model content may include age-appropriate lesson plans, discussion guides, historical documents, and multimedia resources, and must include resources to help teachers engage students in discussions about civil rights and social justice. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, providing schools with time to prepare and implement the new commemorative day educational program.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0493?ys=2025RS