Crucial to learn about diversity

This week, Senate Bill 194 was heard in an Education Committee meeting. The bill would change the way civics is taught all over Nevada. The most important part is Section 11, which adds people of various backgrounds to the NRS Statute.

This was the first time the bill was heard in committee, giving the public a chance to give testimony as to why it should pass. Various organizations, students, teachers and others from the called in to express their support and reasons why various groups should be added to the bill. Not one caller voiced opposition.

Section 11 calls for the ethnic and diversity standards to “examine the culture, history and contributions of diverse American communities, including, without limitation, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Basque Americans, Pacific Islander Americans, Chicano Americans, Latino Americans, Middle Eastern Americans, women, persons with disabilities, immigrants or refugees, persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning, and any other ethnic or diverse American communities the Council deems appropriate; (and) Emphasize human relations, sensitivity toward all races and diverse populations and work-related cultural competency skills …”

Passage of this bill would go a long way in helping under-represented, at-risk and vulnerable students understand that they have a place in American education, society and government, as well as teach those outside of these groups that there is tremendous value in the contributions that these groups have brought to the American landscape and history.

Chris Davin,