Wednesday Blue Room Press Conference: Ford to Focus on Efforts to Make School Reading Assignments More Diverse

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tomorrow at a 10 a.m. Blue Room press conference at the Capitol, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will highlight efforts to update school curriculum and require that students in kindergarten through 12th grade be exposed to literature and books of diverse peoples, cultures and backgrounds.

“Now more than ever, it’s critical that we uplift educational standards that represent and positively reflect the rich diversity of our state,” Ford said. “Reading assignments are a core component of a child’s upbringing and can shape who they are. It’s important that they are exposed to a diverse offering of assignments that allow them to hear and understand unique perspectives both like and unlike their own.”

Ford’s House Bill 2401 would require school districts to ensure that literature included as part of a reading assignment or course includes representation from diverse authors – including, but not limited to, authors who are Black, women, Native American, Latinx and Asian.

Ford was inspired to introduce the legislation after the Pierce Twins, Phallon and Kyra, raised concerns about their 8th grade summer reading assignment, which included a racist themed book. The Pierce Twins are expected to join Ford at Wednesday’s press conference.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.