If the new curriculum proposal passes, the changes would go into effect next fall.
O'FALLON, Mo. — After Thursday night, the newly revised Black History and Black Literature course for Francis Howell students could officially change.
This comes after the Francis Howell School Board removed the original two elective classes in Black Studies, citing concerns about political bias.
The school board will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m., where it will take a final vote on the proposed new curriculum in Black Studies. If passed, the changes would go into effect next fall.
After various protests and strikes by students, classes resumed, but with changes.
At the February school board meeting, revised Black History and Black Literature courses and other revised curriculum documents were presented to the school board and public for first reading.
Its new curriculum will focus on the fundamentals and analysis of historical documents in black history, colonization, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement.
Students, parents, and taxpayers are closely monitoring the actions of school boards.
One parent, Amy Easterling, said at last month's school board meeting: “What I also noticed is that when I read the description of the new curriculum, the word 'racism' was never mentioned. “I understand that our administration may have fallen into racial discrimination.” “I have a deep relationship with this commission and they are trying to accomplish something that will be recognized. But how can you not acknowledge that racism existed and continues to exist in this country? I don't understand how you can talk about it.”
At last month's meeting, someone spoke in favor of the board's actions and the new curriculum.
“I would like to congratulate, recognize, and commend this Board for the remarkable wisdom achieved over the past 10 months. While backing away, we supported a new, strong Black history curriculum,” the man said.
A final vote is set for Thursday night, unless board members choose to “take it off the table” for another discussion and vote.
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