Philly schools poised to mandate Juneteenth education

All Philadelphia students will likely have mandatory lessons on the history and significance of Juneteenth beginning in the 2023-24 school year.

The city school board will soon vote on a Juneteenth education resolution, requiring the subject be taught “in all content areas in K-12 classes.”

The measure would require the Philadelphia School District to work with educators, administrators and community members “to develop and provide age-appropriate instructional resources, materials and professional development opportunities that support the teaching of Juneteenth.” District officials also promise to host events and offer resources to understand the holiday and Black history.

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. Though the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865, that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they had been freed. The holiday now known as Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

The resolution the school board will consider said the district “shall encourage and support educators in integrating Juneteenth into their curriculum, fostering critical thinking, cultural competence, and a deeper understanding of the African American experience,” and reach out to local and national organizations to develop best practices.

School board president Reginald Streater, in a statement, said the action affirms the district’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Because Juneteenth is a significant historic event that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and symbolizes the ongoing struggle for freedom, equality and justice, it’s important to include this in our K-12 curriculum,” Streater said.

The board is scheduled to vote on the resolution at its June 29 meeting.