DENVER | Colorado lawmakers are advocating for black history values to be implemented in public schools. The move comes at a time when there is growing national debate about diversity, equality and inclusion, with Trump administration leaders in particular calling for a reduction in such displays in schools. The purpose of the bill, House Bill 25-1149 (Echabee 25-1149), is to ensure that Black history is widely taught in the classrooms of Colorado.
Bill Overview
Introduced by Representative Regina English, a Democrat from Colorado Springs, HB25-1149 proposes that the Colorado State Board of Education specifically adopt educational standards focused on black historical and cultural studies. These days will ensure that black history is not simply treated as part of a broader social studies path but is clearly included in a way that reflects its uniquely diverse and unique role in American history. The bill passed through the House Education Committee on Feb. 20, 2025, with a vote of 8-5, mostly along party lines—with Democrats in favor, Republicans against.
Purpose And Intent
Representative English stressed that this bill is both an educational necessity and a moral duty. She points out that there are many black American inventors, teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors, and many others, and people need to learn the importance of yoga. He said, “It is our responsibility to make sure that we are teaching true history not just to our own people, but to all our people.” The British highlighted the importance of countering the national star’s efforts to limit the teaching of issues related to oppression, especially in relation to black history.
Opposition To The Bill
While the bill’s proposals argue for the importance of expanding the education of ancient history, some lawmakers, including Republicans, argue that Colorado’s current social studies standards have long ignored this topic. For example, Pratinidhi Prisila Rahan, a Denver public school teacher, termed the bill meaningless. Pratinidhi Lore Garsiya Sindar has criticized the bill and said that in the current context, it already contains the same aspects of past history and those who are demanding a separate hearing are demanding it. Apart from this, Pratinidhi is increasingly concerned about the feasibility of adding more to the curriculum due to the lack of resources.
The Need for Comprehensive Black History
Supporters of the legislation, including Congress leader Jennifer Beck, argue that slavery and the civil rights movements are often covered, but these topics do not encompass the full spectrum of black history. But a broader perspective has been advocated, including revolutionary wars and planetary wars as major contributors to global warming.”Its purpose was to create a broader conversation about black history,” he remarked, noting that black Americans’ struggles with oppression have had a powerful and diverse impact on the nation.
Creation Of Advisory Committee
If passed, HB25-1149 would create an advisory committee made up of teachers, library directors, historians and black history experts to recommend new values. The language of the bill emphasizes that the values should be reflected in “the history of the struggle and contributions of black Americans in the entire history of the world,” which can shed light on black agencies and resistance against oppression. The purpose of this massive display is to counter the blatant simplification of black history.
Public Support and Testimonies:
During the hearing, several senators, teachers and community leaders expressed their support for the bill. Metro Denver’s urban-based professional leaders, such as the clothes dryers and the collars, have made or pointed to the mentioned inventions, which have a profound impact on the daily lives of black Americans. Kathy Lee, an education advocate, debated the status of an unprecedentedly placed African American studies curriculum in Dallas County, emphasizing the need for official standards to ensure that black history is taught in schools, regardless of local policy or concerns.
Next Steps
The video has now been sent to the Sadan Viniyog Committee for further examination. If passed, it would likely impact Colorado’s social studies standards when the state board of education revisits it in 2028. This effort is part of a broader movement across the country to preserve and expand the education of black history in public schools amid the ongoing national debate about education and literacy.
