Exum Bill to Establish Statewide Black History Education Standards Passes Senate

HB25-1149 would standardize Black American history taught in Colorado’s public schools

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to establish statewide Black history education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. 

HB25-1149, sponsored by Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, would require the Colorado Department of Education, with support from a 17-member advisory committee, to develop a standard K-12 curriculum for Black history and cultural studies. 

“Here in Colorado, we understand the importance of teaching a full, honest history – one that recognizes the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Black Americans,” said Exum. “Implementing a standardized Black history curriculum in our public schools ensures that students of all races and backgrounds receive a more complete education that prepares them to be informed, engaged citizens and honors the extensive contributions of Black Americans in shaping our state and nation.”

Once approved by the Colorado Board of Education, public K-12 schools would have to adopt the new Black history education standards into their curriculum in 2028 as part of the state’s social studies standards revision cycle.

The bill now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.