2024 -- H 7722

========

LC004877

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

     Introduced By: Representatives Vella-Wilkinson, Batista, Caldwell, Biah, Donovan,
Shanley, Morales, Cruz, Ajello, and Hull

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2024

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled "Curriculum [See Title 16

Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding thereto the

following section:

     16-22-39. Diversity, equity, and inclusion education.

     The department of elementary and secondary education (the "department") shall, pursuant

to rules promulgated by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, develop

curricular programs and materials on how schools can best incorporate and integrate instruction on

and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI"), into a school's curriculum. In formulating

these DEI programs and materials, the department shall consult with practicing teachers, principals,

superintendents and experts knowledgeable in diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. This shall

also include recommendations from the Rhode Island teachers' advisory council pursuant to § 16-

102-1. Local school committees may incorporate the materials into their elementary and secondary

school curriculum.

     SECTION 2. Section 16-102-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-102 entitled "The Rhode

Island Teachers’ Advisory Council" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     16-102-1. Legislative purpose.

     (a) It is the purpose of the Rhode Island teachers’ advisory council to provide a streamlined

communication mechanism between teachers and the state board of education, the policy setting

board of council on elementary and secondary education, and the department of elementary and

secondary education (the "department") by:

     (1) Providing teachers with the ability to inform policymakers about implementation,

concerns, and or practical issues regarding regulations and/or policies, whether proposed or

promulgated;

     (2) Bringing voices of classroom teachers into the conversation about policies and

regulations which impact classroom activities; and

     (3) Improving the conversation about the policies and regulations regarding our education

system to ensure their successful implementation that benefits all Rhode Island students. This shall

include, but is not limited to, the promotion and integration of principles of diversity, equity, and

inclusion (“DEI”) within school curriculum. The committee shall provide recommendations to the

department pursuant to the provisions of § 16-22-39.

     (b) The Rhode Island teachers’ advisory council shall also provide the department with

recommendations on how to ensure principles of DEI are included and incorporated into the hiring

process for teachers, teacher assistants, and other school education staff.

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC004877

========

LC004877 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

***

     This act would promote the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and

direct the department of elementary and secondary education to develop curricular programs and

materials on how schools can best incorporate instruction on and principles of diversity, equity,

and inclusion, into a school’s curriculum. The department would consider recommendations from

the Rhode Island teacher’s advisory council. This council would also provide the department with

recommendations on how to ensure principles of DEI are included and incorporated into the hiring

process for teachers, teacher assistants, and other school education staff.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC004877

========

LC004877 - Page 3 of 3