SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A proposal heading to the Illinois House floor could require Arab American history for elementary and high school students.

This plan requires school districts to include a unit of Arab American history curriculum in their social studies classes starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

The legislation calls for instruction about the history of Arab Americans in Illinois and the Midwest as well as the contributions of Arab Americans from the 19th century onward. The curriculum should include Arab American involvement in government and the arts, humanities, and science. 

Sponsors and advocates said it is also important that students know about the important Arab American contributions to the economic, cultural, social and political development of the United States. Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview) said this inclusion could help students respect the dignity of all races and people while fighting against any form of discrimination in their lives and careers.

"By making a statewide commitment to teaching this history, Illinois will be taking a nationally recognized stand for inclusion and understanding and against bigotry, hatred, and anti-Arab American violence," said Itedal Shalabi, cofounder and executive director of Arab American Family Services. 

Each school board would have the ability to determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies for the unit of Arab American history.

House Bill 2997 passed out of the House Education Policy Committee on a partisan 9-4 vote Thursday. State representatives could vote on the legislation when they return to Springfield next week. 

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