Florida students may have to learn this subject under new proposal

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill filed on Thursday wants to introduce a new required subject into classrooms across the Sunshine State.

More specifically, the bill (SB 1472) was filed by Florida Sen. Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach), and it mandates that students learn more about Hispanic contributions to the U.S.

While state education requirements already include this, Bernard’s bill further elaborates what concepts will be taught at which grade levels.

According to the legislation, the curricula break down across grade levels as follows:

• Grades K-2
  • Hispanic American holidays, symbols and traditions
  • Hispanic Americans who have made significant contributions to the country
  • How Hispanic Americans fit into the broader American social fabric
  • The importance of respect, fairness and kindness to all people
• Grades 3-5
  • Spanish exploration of the New World
  • The role of Hispanic leaders in the defense of the U.S.
  • Influences of Hispanic culture in American life
  • Hispanic Americans who have excelled in the arts and sciences, business, and education
  • Hispanic Americans who have demonstrated perseverance, courage and civic responsibility
  • How fairness, hard work and equality strengthen democracy
• Grades 6-8
  • The impact of Spanish colonization and Hispanic communities on the growth of the U.S.
  • How U.S. expansion affected Hispanic populations
  • Hispanic contributions during significant periods of U.S. history
  • How Hispanic Americans overcame barriers to achieve equality and opportunity
  • How Hispanic American experiences reflect the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality
  • How prejudice, racism and stereotyping limit individual freedoms
  • How recognition of freedoms helps overturn unjust laws
• Grades 9-12
  • The role of Hispanic people in U.S. exploration, colonization and expansion
  • Hispanic American participation in major U.S. conflicts
  • The influence of Hispanic leaders in advancing civil rights
  • Hispanic American contributions to art, music, literature, science and education
  • How Hispanic identity has evolved within American society
  • How hard work, merit and responsibility align with the pursuit of happiness and success
  • Instances of Hispanic Americans’ freedoms were infringed upon and how those injustices wer addressed
  • Hispanic American contributions to civic life and governance
  • Stories of Hispanic Americans who prospered through perseverance and innovation

If approved, the bill is set to take effect on July 1.