Bill > HB1202

This bill mandates that the State Board of Education develop content standards for Palestinian culture and history to be integrated into the state's social studies curriculum, with the goal of addressing anti-Palestinian hate and discrimination, ensuring accurate and balanced instruction, and promoting student safety and inclusion. These standards, to be developed by December 1, 2026, will cover topics such as the historical presence of Palestinians, their cultural traditions, the impact of displacement and conflict, distinctions between governments and civilian populations, international human rights principles, and the recognition of Palestinian identity, while emphasizing factual, nonpartisan instruction and critical thinking, and respecting academic freedom. The Department of Education will then create model curriculum guides and optional professional development resources for teachers, and by the 2027-2028 school year, all public schools must include Palestinian culture and history in their social studies curriculum. Additionally, the bill updates the state's model policy for prohibiting bullying, harassment, or intimidation to expressly include conduct motivated by anti-Palestinian bias, requiring local school systems to adopt similar policies.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1202?ys=2026RS