Please pass this important bill

This is an inclusive bill, a well-thought out bill that has ensures the interest of our present, and in our children, our future. Not only is there nothing wrong with teaching honest history and the truth, it is imperative that we do. We can and should talk about the the impact of erasure or distortion of truth behind painful history like the Genocide in Darfur, the Armenian, Rwandan, Indigenous, and black and African American genocides (and of course the colonization of Palestine and ongoing genocide there), but I also want to talk about the importance of sharing truth in the beauty and richness behind the history and heritage of those who surround us. This will hopefully ensure that our children’s experiences and identities are seen and heard authentically. We shouldn’t rob our kids of the education that others around the world are already learning… A society built on honest and comprehensive history and education is an asset - it strengthens the bonds between communities and makes the pillars of ancestry and truth on which generations stand confidently, unshakable. Zeina Ashrawi Hutchison

Comment of Philip Farah in favor of HB 614 Feb 10, 2026 I am Philip Farah, cofounder and Chair of Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace. I urge you to vote for HB614. This will help to reverse Youngkin's attempt to whitewash the American historical experience. Virginia, like the rest of America was built on land usurped from indigenous peoples. the cruel oppression of slaves working in the fields, and immigrants from all ethnicities working in the mines. Immigrants from Pacific Islands, South America, Africa, the Arab World, as well as Europe, have all made great contributions to America and are part of the rich cultural heritage of Virginia. All of us ought to see our history portrayed accurately in our school curricula. No special interests should be allowed to erase or distort the historical experience of any of the communities that make us who we are.

This is a very important bill as it allows for women and marginalized communities to learn about their contributions to our history, culture and society. We have been getting a very distorted view of our history, and it has been a hindrance to learning. When students don’t see anyone like themselves being represented, they are unable to relate. Our shared history should not be relegated to a special month, or day once a year. It should be part of the curriculum. I urge everyone to vote yes to this bill, as it is long overdue.

I am Philip Farah, cofounder and Chair of Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace. I urge you to vote for HB614. This will help to reverse Youngkin's attempt to whitewash the American historical experience. Virginia, like the rest of America was built on land usurped from indigenous peoples. the cruel oppression of slaves working in the fields, and immigrants from all ethnicities working in the mines. Immigrants from Pacific Islands, South America, Africa, the Arab World, as well as Europe, have all made great contributions to America and are part of the rich cultural heritage of Virginia. All of us ought to see our history portrayed accurately in our school curricula. No special interests should be allowed to erase or distort the historical experience of any of the communities that make us who we are.

I am writing to ask you to vote YES on HB614 – “History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities,” which will ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools. Being That we are physically in the capital of the former confederacy and just up the Hill from the Devils Half Acre where hundreds of thousands of human beings were bought and sold like cattle and subjected to unimaginable horrors - how can we in good conscience not take an honest, accurate look at history? This should not even be in question - but unfortunately the last four years has seen a systematic erosion of any honest historical evaluation. I am a first generation American, my parents immigrants and refugees from WWII Germany. From early childhood I was exposed to the hard truths and histories of my ancestral homeland. I was not overwhelmed by guilt from this education rather I learned to recognize the signs, apply the knowledge gained and take on the responsibility to confront these horrors head on and keep them from happening again. Never again is never again for anyone. Unfortunately history has the bad habit of repeating itself for those who look away from it. I

HB614 would go a long way towards reintegrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into our schools and correcting the recent assault on education. It provides students with more comprehensive account of history, rather than a selective narrative. No history can be perfect. This bill simply creates a framework so our educational professionals can resist political & cultural pressures to erase or ignore significant history. It gives teachers and school boards substantial latitude to tailor history instruction according to local realities and communities. It calls for the content to be “age-appropriate” and “historically accurate”. It suggests that we integrate history across the curriculum and avoid isolating the content to a single month or observance.

I am writing in support of HB 614. We live in an age of misinformation and bombardment of false ideas spread by those with the most money and power. This bill ensures that students receive a full and honest account of history, rather than a selective narrative. By learning about the struggles and contributions of diverse communities, students gain a better understanding of the world around them making them informed, well-rounded responsible citizens. The bill also promotes equity in education by ensuring that no group’s history or contributions are marginalized or erased, reinforcing the principle that every student deserves to see themselves represented in history. Importantly, when students see their experiences reflected in coursework, educational outcomes improve.

I am writing to ask you to vote YES on HB614 – “History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities,” which will ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools. It would do so by requiring “instructional materials and standards in history and social science to include the contributions, perspectives, and experiences of historically marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities; immigrants and refugees; women... in order to affirm such communities and promote a more holistic understanding of history.” The General Assembly should pass HB614 for the following reasons: Promotes Accurate and Complete Historical Education - HB614 ensures that students receive a full and honest account of history, rather than a selective narrative. Including diverse perspectives leads to greater historical accuracy, deeper understanding, and improved critical thinking. Strengthens Civic Literacy and Democratic Values - By learning about the struggles and contributions of diverse communities, students gain a better understanding of human rights, democracy, civil rights, social justice, and constitutional development, preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens. Improves Student Engagement and Academic Outcomes - Research consistently shows that inclusive curricula improve student engagement, motivation, and academic performance, particularly among historically underserved student populations. When students see their experiences reflected in coursework, educational outcomes improve. Supports Equal Opportunity and Educational Equity - The bill promotes equity in education by ensuring that no group’s history or contributions are marginalized or erased, reinforcing the principle that every student deserves to see themselves represented in history. Prepares Students for a Diverse Workforce and Society - Modern workplaces and communities are increasingly diverse. HB614 helps students develop cultural competence, empathy, and communication skills, all of which are essential for professional success and civic harmony. Aligns Virginia with National Educational Best Practices - Many states and professional education organizations support inclusive curriculum standards. HB614 aligns Virginia with best practices in education, ensuring that the Commonwealth remains competitive, modern, and forward-looking. Based on all the above, I urge you to vote YES for HB614!

I watched with dismay as the Youngkin administration undid all of the hard work done to include the voices and experiences of minorities and marginalized populations in the teaching of history in Virginia. As a former teacher and counselor I strongly support HB614 and the inclusion of minority and marginalized voices in US and world history. It is often said that the writing of history gets done by the winners; what gets ignored is the experience of those who have to live with the consequences of what the powerful do. But reality includes the stories of both, and the future is a function of both. It we want our children to understand history so that they can make good decisions as citizens of our country, they have to know the whole history, not just selected parts of it. I urge you to support HB614. Kathy Drinkard, Springfield, VA

I am writing to ask you to vote YES on HB614 – “History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities,” which will ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools. It has never been more important that the next generation receives a full and honest account of history, rather than a narrative selected by whatever political party happens to be in power in any given year. Learning about the very real, valid, and historically verifiable struggles and contributions of diverse communities, students gain a better understanding of human rights, democracy, civil rights, social justice, and constitutional development, preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens. The legacy of the ground on which we stand here in Richmond, Virginia - the capitol of the Confederacy, is a prime example of why the history of every person who has ever walked this earth matters. I live on the other side of Shockhoe Bottom in Church Hill, where I can see the Devil's Half Acre from my window. On this site, thousands of human beings were bought and sold like animals because of the color of their skin 200 years after the indigenous stewards of the land were slaughtered by the European colonizers that planted a flag and called the land theirs. Yet there are textbooks in circulation today that do not honestly acknowledge these facts. As an adult, I have had to unlearn what I was taught about these people's stories and re-learn the truth. This bill promotes equity in education by ensuring that no group’s history or contributions are marginalized or erased, reinforcing the principle that every student deserves to see themselves represented in history. This bill is aligned with Virginia and National educational best practices, and will help students develop cultural competence, empathy, and communication skills, all of which are essential for professional success and civic harmony. I urge you to vote YES for HB614

As a Jewish educator in Del. Rasoul's district i strongly SUPPORT this bill. This inclusive approach to education is what we need in the school system and is an important corrective to the censorship we've seen in the past four years. Please vote Yes for this bill.

Please vote YES on HB614. – “History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities.” This bill would go a long way towards reintegrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into our schools and correcting the four-year assault on education perpetrated by the Youngkin administration. In fact, if adopted, it would go even further and have a major effect on providing students with a full and honest account of history, rather than a selective narrative. Including diverse perspectives leads to greater historical accuracy, deeper understanding, and improved critical thinking. This bill is more comprehensive than similar legislation proposed this year in that its mandate includes the contributions, perspectives, and experiences of all historically marginalized communities. It provides a list of some of these communities and then goes on to allow for the addition of other groups as appropriate. It further calls for the content to be “age-appropriate” and “historically accurate”. It suggests that we integrate history across the curriculum and avoid isolating the content to a single month or observance. The bill promotes equity in education by ensuring that no group’s history or contributions are marginalized or erased. This reinforces the principle that every student deserves to see themselves represented in history. This bill is truly groundbreaking in its potential to provide all students with a complete, accurate, and inclusive history that prepares them to be a fully engaged citizen in a complex world. I urge you to vote “Yes” on HB614!

Hello, As a mother of two Henrico County Public School students, I am writing to ask you to vote YES on HB614 – “History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities,” which will ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools. It would do so by requiring “instructional materials and standards in history and social science to include the contributions, perspectives, and experiences of historically marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities; immigrants and refugees; women... in order to affirm such communities and promote a more holistic understanding of history.” The General Assembly should pass HB614 for the following reasons: Promotes Accurate and Complete Historical Education - HB614 ensures that students receive a full and honest account of history, rather than a selective narrative. Including diverse perspectives leads to greater historical accuracy, deeper understanding, and improved critical thinking. Strengthens Civic Literacy and Democratic Values - By learning about the struggles and contributions of diverse communities, students gain a better understanding of human rights, democracy, civil rights, social justice, and constitutional development, preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens. Improves Student Engagement and Academic Outcomes - Research consistently shows that inclusive curricula improve student engagement, motivation, and academic performance, particularly among historically underserved student populations. When students see their experiences reflected in coursework, educational outcomes improve. Supports Equal Opportunity and Educational Equity - The bill promotes equity in education by ensuring that no group’s history or contributions are marginalized or erased, reinforcing the principle that every student deserves to see themselves represented in history. These are but a few among many important reasons students deserve to be taught completely and with honesty about. Anything less than this is a detriment to our youth. With sincere thanks, Elisa & Neal Bilyue

Please vote YES on Delegate Rasoul’s HB614 which will ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools. HB614 aligns Virginia with National Educational Best Practices . Many states and professional education organizations support inclusive curriculum standards.

I urge you to vote YES on HB614 – “History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities,” which will ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools. This bill would do so by requiring “instructional materials and standards in history and social science to include the contributions, perspectives, and experiences of historically marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities; immigrants and refugees; women...in order to affirm such communities and promote a more holistic understanding of history.” ALL students deserve a full and honest account of history, rather than a selective narrative.

Please pass HB614. It is critical that our students receive an honest telling of history in their civics courses so that they grow to be engaged citizens. Importantly, students from underrepresented groups should see themselves in the curriculum to foster greater belonging and positive identity development. As a counselor and educator, I know the research shows this predicts better educational outcomes across the board. Please support HB614.

I’m writing in support of HB614. It promotes accurate and complete historical education & ensures a better understanding of human rights, democracy, civil rights, social justice, and constitutional development. My own personal experience with my three children is an improvement in their engagement when they saw their experiences reflected accurately in the coursework. What I really liked about this bill is it ensures no group’s history or contributions are marginalized or erased. In an increasingly global workforce, this bill will ensure students are developing skills necessary for professional success. It is essential to align Virginia with National Educational Best Practices and promote an inclusive curricula.

I oppose this bill.

I am writing to ask the K-12 Subcommittee of the House of Delegates Education Committee to vote YES on HB614 – “History and social science standards and instruction; historically marginalized communities.” which will ensure comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive education in public elementary and secondary schools. It would do so by requiring “instructional materials and standards in history and social science to include the contributions, perspectives, and experiences of historically marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities; immigrants and refugees; women... in order to affirm such communities and promote a more holistic understanding of history.” The General Assembly should pass HB614 for the following reasons: 1. Promotes Accurate and Complete Historical Education - HB614 ensures that students receive a full and honest account of history, rather than a selective narrative. Including diverse perspectives leads to greater historical accuracy, deeper understanding, and improved critical thinking. 2. Strengthens Civic Literacy and Democratic Values - By learning about the struggles and contributions of diverse communities, students gain a better understanding of human rights, democracy, civil rights, social justice, and constitutional development, preparing them to become informed and responsible citizens. 3. Improves Student Engagement and Academic Outcomes - Research consistently shows that inclusive curricula improve student engagement, motivation, and academic performance, particularly among historically underserved student populations. When students see their experiences reflected in coursework, educational outcomes improve. 4. Supports Equal Opportunity and Educational Equity - The bill promotes equity in education by ensuring that no group’s history or contributions are marginalized or erased, reinforcing the principle that every student deserves to see themselves represented in history. 5. Prepares Students for a Diverse Workforce and Society - Modern workplaces and communities are increasingly diverse. HB614 helps students develop cultural competence, empathy, and communication skills, all of which are essential for professional success and civic harmony. 6. Aligns Virginia with National Educational Best Practices - Many states and professional education organizations support inclusive curriculum standards. HB614 aligns Virginia with best practices in education, ensuring that the Commonwealth remains competitive, modern, and forward-looking. Based on all the above, I urge you to vote YES for HB614! Sincerely, Paul Noursi Vienna, VA 703-255-4150

HB 614 moves history education away from teaching facts, evidence, and critical thinking and toward state-mandated affirmation of identity and perspective. Instead of asking schools to teach history fully and honestly, it requires instruction to promote approved viewpoints chosen by the Board of Education. That is a fundamental shift. History should help students analyze what happened and why. Once the state tells teachers which groups must be “affirmed” and how, classrooms become ideological spaces, not places of inquiry. Teachers are pressured to follow a script rather than encourage debate, and students learn which answers are safe instead of how to think critically. Today’s majority does not control tomorrow’s curriculum. The same law used now to enforce one worldview can later be used to enforce another. Parents and educators who support this bill today could soon find themselves bound by a curriculum they fundamentally oppose. HB 614 politicizes history, chills honest discussion, and hands lasting control of curriculum to whichever political faction holds power. That weakens education for everyone.

I oppose HB 614. It is entirely about embedding ideological content throughout the curriculum. It focuses on divisive identity politics and deliberately drags the public schools into political quagmire, rather than a single-minded focus on rigorous academics, which should be the guiding principle of all education policy. Please vote no on this divisive and unnecessary legislation.

I opposed DEI, SEL, and other forms of discrimination in our education systems. It is shameful public education system continues to lower standards and expectations for some students. Students and teachers need to be rewarded for their hard work without focusing on their race, gender, religion, or economic status. Diversity and inclusion Please judge human beings by their character and actions. DEI is a Marxist ideology and we have witnessed the failures. We don’t need to have a religion or race month to justify the incredible sacrifices, accomplishments and achievements of everyone in the world. It is disgraceful to recognize and celebrate one group over the other. No wonder many parents don’t want to send their children to public schools anymore.

I strongly oppose this bill.

Please add a reference to May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The GA has been great of late about recognizing May for the Jewish community and celebrating all of the historic contributions to Virginia. Thank you kindly.