Divisive Concepts in the Draft SOL
Gov. Youngkin made a big deal about not teaching Divisive Concepts in the classroom last year. This year, however, his appointee presented a Draft Social Studies standard that is filled with Right Wing talking points presented as if they were fact.
Among these is the statement that Socialism is incompatible with democracy and individual freedom.
I believe that our allies in Europe would have a thing or two to say about that statement.
Other Divisive statements are the implication of severe limits on Government economic power as well as the statement that government should only provide services not produced by the market.
All of these are Right Wing opinions stated as though they are fact.
Sub Standard History Standards
IN August of 2022, the Board of Education reviewed new History Standards for Virginia education. Rather than vote to adopt the standards, Superintendent Balow, a Youngkin appointee, suggested postponing the vote until November so that some minor revisions could be made. In November, The Younngkin Administration rewrite was presented.
Where the original standard was over 400 pages long, the new proposal was 53 pages.
Where the original standard addressed Virginia History from many viewpoints and gave a well rounded view of events, these standards were focused on the European American perspective, leaving out entire ethnicities and the contributions of many minority figures
Where the original standard was the result of years of research and review by Historians, Educators, Museums, Parents, and Universities, the new standard was written in a couple of weeks by a partisan Lobbyist.
On November 18th, 2022, The Board of Education met to vote on the new standards. They were confronted with a wide array of public speakers in opposition to the new Youngkin SubStandard Standards. For Four hours, people from all over Virginia explained, emoted, and even pleadded with the board that these Standards could not be approved.
In the end, the Board Rejected the Youngkin proposal and asked that it be combines with the August Proposal to form a new compromise.
The November Proposal was the work of Partisan interests with the aim of indoctrinating Virginia Students to a Conservative, Right Wing view of History. It ignores entire populations while digging up debunked ideas like the "Lost Cause" interpretation of the American Civil war.
The Youngkin Administration has now delivered their new version. It can be accessed HERE
TAKE ACTION TO DEFEND HISTORY
GET INVOLVED:
Let everyone YOU Know, know about this issue.
Submit a public comment via letter or email
Let Virginia Government know that you support teaching real history as defined by real scholars, not the partisan opinions written by partisan think-tanks.
Address your emails to: Megan.Perez@doe.virginia.gov
cc: BOE@doe.virginia.gov, superintendent@doe.virginia.gov, aimee.guidera@governor.virginia.gov
Contact your Representatives: Who's My Legislator?
Contact the Governor and let him know where you stand
Sign-up to provide in-person public comment
Next Meeting Feb 1st at the Monroe Building, 101 N 14th St, Richmond, VA 23219
Email megan.perez@doe.virginia.gov to register to speak
You will have 3 minutes to speak, use them well.