Bill
HJ 5
Maryland nonbinding resolution affirms inclusive, nondiscriminatory K-12 curricula that cover histories of communities facing discrimination, guiding schools without mandates.
Status: Joint resolution (non‑binding); introduced Jan 14, 2025. Hearing held Mar 3, 2025; passed House Business & Labor committee Mar 31, 2025; scheduled for 2nd reading Apr 3, 2025 (not passed). Final listed status: Died in Process (May 20, 2025). Companion: SJ 5 (Sen. Lewis Young). Primary sponsor listed: Shane Klakken; also introduced by Delegates Fair, Allen, Bhandari, D. Jones, R. Lewis, Martinez, Solomon, and Wilkins.
Purpose
- To formally declare the State of Maryland’s policy support for inclusive, nondiscriminatory elementary and secondary education and to acknowledge the importance of teaching a culturally diverse curriculum.
- To affirm that K–12 curricula should include the histories and experiences of communities that have experienced discrimination.
Key provisions
- Policy declarations (resolves):
- Elementary and secondary education in Maryland should be provided in a nondiscriminatory, inclusive manner.
- Curricula taught in elementary and secondary schools should encompass groups that have experienced discrimination, specifically noting disability, ethnicity, gender, Indigenous American tribal affiliation, race, religion/faith, and sexual orientation.
- Curricula should reflect the breadth and diversity of Marylanders’ lived experiences.
- The State is committed to providing robust civic, cultural, and history education to foster engaged, informed citizens.
- Administrative directive: A copy of the resolution must be forwarded to the Governor, legislative presiding officers, State Board of Education president, State Superintendent of Schools, Department of Legislative Services, and the presidents of the 24 local boards of education.
Who or what is affected
- This is a policy statement directed at State and local education leaders and school systems. As a joint resolution, it does not create binding legal or regulatory obligations for schools, teachers, or districts.
- It is intended to influence curriculum development and educational priorities and to signal legislative intent regarding representation and inclusion in K–12 instruction.
Fiscal and administrative impact
- Fiscal note: No state or local fiscal impact. The resolution aligns with existing Maryland education policy and practice (e.g., existing requirements for educational equity and culturally responsive instructional materials).
Procedural/timeline notes
- Introduced Jan 14, 2025; first reading Jan 30, 2025; committee hearings and actions occurred in early 2025. Though it advanced out of committee, it was not adopted on the House floor and is recorded as Died in Process on May 20, 2025.
Context/Related
- The resolution reiterates and complements existing Maryland State Department of Education policies requiring culturally responsive curricula and local educational equity policies. It is non‑regulatory — an expression of policy and intent rather than a statutory mandate.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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