Bill > S07168

This bill establishes a Commission on African American History and Achievement to develop and recommend curriculum that better incorporates the contributions and achievements of African Americans in New York's educational system. The commission will consist of 13 members, including representatives from state education agencies, appointed by the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker, who will serve three-year terms without compensation but with expense reimbursement. The commission's primary responsibilities include surveying current elementary and secondary education curriculum, developing recommendations for new curriculum and instruction for kindergarten through 12th grade that highlight African American contributions to American and New York state history, and preparing annual reports for state leaders. Specifically, the commission will focus on areas such as the women's abolitionist movement, the Harlem Renaissance, the Buffalo anti-slavery movement, and the suffrage movement for African American Long Islanders. The state education commissioner will then establish age-appropriate African American history and achievement curriculum based on the commission's recommendations, which schools may incorporate into their history curriculum or integrate in other appropriate ways. Additionally, the bill requires students in New York City's public, charter, and nonpublic schools to visit sites that educate about African American historical events.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7168