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LGBT history is American history. Whether you are a teacher or other educator, increase your knowledge of LGBT history.
In support of the FAIR Education Act and the new History Social Science Framework, CSU Monterey Bay is offering the online course, “LGBT History in Schools” in June and July 2018. Register by May 29.
There are three (3) options or ways to take this course:
Few teachers have learned the content or pedagogy about LGBT history, the new state history framework, the LGBT rights movement or important LGBT people in history beyond Harvey Milk, the Stonewall Riots and Ellen.
This course will provide content and pedagogy for teaching LGBT history. It is designed specifically for educators who teach history in grades 7-12, but may also be useful for others engaged in youth education, such as GSA advisors, diversity centers, non-profits, or anyone interested in learning more about LGBT history.
Since the course is offered online, most anyone is eligible to register for this course. The course lasts over 6 weeks. Twice weekly discussion boards and weekly online course meetings will be required as part of the instruction in addition to various readings.
Read more about signing up for the course since enrollment is limited. Join the conversation on Facebook.
In case you weren’t aware of this legislative history:
Here is a list of the various perspectives written about the approval after the California State Board of Education approved LGBT history inclusive textbooks on Nov. 9, 2017.
NBC News (Nov. 22, 2017) “Was Walt Whitman ‘Gay’? New Textbook Rules Spark LGBTQ History Debate”. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/was-walt-whitman-gay-new-textbook-rules-spark-lgbtq-history-n821636
Daily Californian (Nov. 16, 2017) “California Becomes 1st State to Approve LGBTQ+ inclusive K-8 history textbooks.” http://www.dailycal.org/2017/11/16/california-becomes-1st-state-approve-lgbtq-inclusive-k-8-history-textbooks/
KQED / NPR (Nov. 15, 2017). California Becomes First State to Adopt LGBT-Inclusive Textbooks. https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/11/15/california-textbooks-just-got-a-lesson-in-lgbt-history/
Time Magazine (Nov. 14, 2017) “California is Adopting LGBT-Inclusive History Textbooks. It’s the Latest Chapter in a Centuries-Long Fight.” http://time.com/5022698/california-history-lgbt-textbooks-curriculum/
Daily Beast (Nov. 14, 2017) . California Leads the Way Teaching LGBT History to Schoolchildren. https://www.thedailybeast.com/california-leads-the-way-teaching-lgbt-history-to-schoolchildren
Vallejo Times Herald (Nov. 11, 2017). “State Ed Board oks new K-8 history social science curriculum” http://www.timesheraldonline.com/article/NH/20171110/NEWS/171119956
SCTV Santa Clarita (Nov. 10, 2017). “State School Board Ok’s new emphasis on history social science.” https://scvnews.com/2017/11/10/state-school-board-oks-new-k-8-emphasis-on-history-social-sciences/
California Department of Education Press Release (Nov. 9, 2017) – https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr17/yr17rel82.asp
EdSource (Nov. 9, 2017). “After hours of testimony, California State Board rejects two textbooks; approves 10 others.” https://edsource.org/2017/after-hours-of-testimony-state-board-rejects-two-history-textbooks-approves-10-others/590118
KSBW TV (Nov. 9, 2017). “History classes begin teaching LGBT history.” http://www.ksbw.com/article/history-classes-begin-teaching-about-lgbt/13513656
San Diego LGBT Weekly (Nov. 10, 2017). “California State Board of Education approves LGBTQ inclusive textbooks.” http://lgbtweekly.com/2017/11/10/california-state-board-of-education-approves-lgbtq-inclusive-textbooks/
The Hindu News (Nov. 9, 2017). “Controversial U.S. textbooks get nod.” http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/controversial-us-textbooks-get-nod/article20109769.ece
Publisher New Releases:
In 2011, the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful) Education Act was passed in California. It simply stated:
When adopting instructional materials for use in the schools, governing boards shall include only instructional materials which, in their determination, accurately portray the cultural and racial diversity of our society, including:
(a) The contributions of both men and women in all types of roles, including professional, vocational, and executive roles.
(b) The role and contributions of Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, European Americans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans, persons with disabilities, and members of other ethnic and cultural groups to the total development of California and the United States.
(c) The role and contributions of the entrepreneur and labor in the total development of California and the United States.
In 2016, the State Board of Education adopted an updated History Social Science Framework that included the above changes and the inclusion of LGBT history.
In 2017, the State Board convened 10 panels to review history social science textbooks for alignment with the state history framework and state history standards. The State Board of Education will take action on the recommendations in November 2017.
During the textbook adoption process, there have been over 5000 comments submitted to the California Department of Education – some in support of the updated framework and textbooks and some against. I was interested to read this blogpost from the California Family Council entitled “Tell Sacramento to Keep LGBT Curriculum Out of Elementary Schools.”
For years, history teachers in California have been teaching about various religions without promoting a religion; teachers have been teaching about various cultural norms without promoting a specific culture, and teachers have been teaching about various social movements and civil rights groups without promoting a specific strategy or movement. The study of history is the study of people and events of the past. The California State Framework in it’s introduction states “It is the obligation of the state of California to impart upon all students an engaging and relevant history–social science education that will shape how they participate in their world.”
Teaching LGBT history is one part of history that has not been included in the study of history in the past, but there is a rich history of individuals and events to be told – right along with the study of civil rights, ethnic studies, and women’s rights. LGBT history is part of American history and therefore is now included in California schools. Despite the fact that it is the law in California, inclusion of all people in the study of history better engages all students in their learning and causes more students to be successful and graduate from high school.
As I explain to various groups that I speak with, there is a difference between:
The FAIR Act and the textbooks currently before the State Board of Education promote the teaching of LGBT history – one important part of American history.
In a word, yes. LGBT Americans have a history in the same way people of other social movements are important. Early in America, one of the first big social movements was the fight for independence – and although not all early colonists agreed on the direction – America eventually gained its independence from England. The early documents – the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution – framed the structure for the government of the U.S. Within these documents, it guaranteed all Americans life, liberty and happiness. These documents don’t say that you only get life, liberty and happiness if you are not an immigrant or if you are not a certain religion or if you are not a certain gender or have a certain sexual orientation. LGBT Americans fought alongside all Americans in every war and in every social movement in America. So, it makes sense that LGBT Americans also have a history – and a story to tell. Alongside, the American Revolution, women’s rights, civil rights, African American rights, and Latino rights is the LGBT rights movement. The history of the LGBT rights movement began many years ago but can be most tracked back to the 1950s that began with the signing of Executive Order 10450 by President Eisenhower – and along with the Red Scare, there was the Lavender Scare. This set in motion a series of actions that has moved America towards a more inclusive country. This is an important history and in California and other states, it is now being taught as part of what all students in school will learn.
California Dreamin' by Rob Darrow 