STAND. COM. REP. NO.  346

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   H.B. No. 11

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 11 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to advance equality in Hawaii's public education system by requiring:

 

     (1)  The Board of Education to adopt performance standards that are culturally relevant, historically and scientifically accurate, and nondiscriminatory;

 

     (2)  A standards-based curriculum and related educational materials that are historically and scientifically accurate and nondiscriminatory with regard to race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, color, religion, ancestry, or disability; and

 

     (3)  School complexes to develop, to the greatest extent possible, a standards-based curriculum that includes content on the injustice endured by the indigenous people of Hawaii and other historically underrepresented populations.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Together For Our Keiki and six individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in support of the intent of this measure from the Department of Education.

 

     Your Committee finds that to advance the fundamental democratic principles of equality, liberty, and justice for all, a quality school system must deliver instruction that is historically and scientifically accurate and free from discrimination.  Your Committee believes that this measure will prepare students to participate in the advancement of a more equal society through the development and adoption of educational content that is culturally relevant, nondiscriminatory, and inclusive of the historical injustices endured by marginalized populations.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Clarifying that school complexes shall develop, to the greatest extent possible, a standards-based curriculum that includes content on the historical injustice, cultural subjugation, and discrimination faced by the indigenous people of Hawaii and other historically underrepresented populations as applicable to units of study;

 

     (2)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050; and

 

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 11, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 11, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair