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Bill

HB 2965

Requires the department of elementary and secondary education to develop a curriculum on Black history and Black literature to be used by school districts

2026 Regular Session Introduced by LaKeySha Bosley and 2 co-sponsors

Missouri bill mandates state development of Black history and literature curriculum for optional school district adoption.

Public Hearing Completed (H)
#childrenandminors #education #elementaryandsecondary #elementaryandsecondaryeducation #dept.of
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Bill Summary · HB 2965

Legislative bill overview

HB 2965 directs Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a comprehensive curriculum focused on Black history and Black literature for use by school districts statewide. The bill does not mandate adoption but requires the state to create this educational resource as an option for districts to implement.

Why is this important

Curriculum development at the state level can significantly influence what students learn about historically underrepresented perspectives and figures. This bill addresses ongoing national debates about how public education represents diverse histories, potentially affecting educational equity and student engagement with American history from multiple viewpoints.

Potential points of contention

  • Curriculum scope and content disputes: Disagreement may arise over which historical periods, figures, and events should be prioritized, and how sensitive topics are presented
  • Implementation and adoption rates: Without a mandate, districts may choose not to use the curriculum, limiting its real-world impact and creating uneven educational access across regions
  • Resource allocation and costs: Questions about state funding for curriculum development, teacher training, and materials, particularly in districts with limited budgets
  • Political perspectives on historical narratives: Ongoing debates about how to teach American history, whether certain interpretations are age-appropriate, and concerns about ideological balance in curriculum design

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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