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Supporters urge favorable report for HJR5 affirming culturally inclusive K–12 curriculum
Summary
Proponents including educators and advocacy groups told the Rules Committee House Joint Resolution 5 would reaffirm Maryland's commitment to culturally diverse education and encourage local review of curriculum standards with input from educators, families and underrepresented communities.
Delegate Chris Fair presented House Joint Resolution 5 to the Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, describing the measure as a nonbinding reaffirmation that Maryland values inclusive, culturally diverse K–12 education.
"This joint resolution is about 1 thing and 1 thing only, and it's reaffirming Maryland's commitment to supporting and teaching and educating our society on individualized, marginalized groups around our state," Delegate Fair said.
Witnesses representing educators, families and advocacy organizations spoke in support. Lauren Lam, for the Maryland State Education Association, said educators support a resolution that affirms teaching history accurately and including contributions and experiences of groups that have faced discrimination. Dr. Nicole Hollywood (representing PFLAG Salisbury) said multicultural education helps students see themselves and others and fosters critical thinking and empathy. Linda Boyd, representing the Maryland Episcopal Public Policy Network, said the changes make the statutory language more inclusive of multiple faiths and histories.
Other in-person and virtual witnesses described curricula, resources and pilot practices that promote inclusion and urged the committee to issue a favorable report. Committee members clarified that the resolution is nonbinding and does not impose curricular mandates on local school systems; Delegate Fair and witnesses emphasized the role of local education agencies in developing age-appropriate content.
The committee concluded the hearing with no recorded vote.
