An Act To Create a Maine Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Studies Educational Component
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4706, sub-§2, as repealed and replaced by PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:
2. Maine studies. Maine history, including the Constitution of Maine, Maine geography and environment and the natural, industrial and economic resources of Maine and Maine's cultural and ethnic heritage, must be taught. A required component of Maine studies is Maine Native American studies, which must be included in the review of content standards and performance indicators of the learning results conducted in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4. The Maine Native American studies must address the following topics:
A. Maine tribal governments and political systems and their relationship with local, state, national and international governments;
B. Maine Native American cultural systems and the experience of Maine tribal people throughout history;
C. Maine Native American territories; and
D. Maine Native American economic systems.
A component of Maine studies is the broad study of race, ethnicity and culture in Maine, which may be included in the review of content standards and performance indicators of the learning results conducted in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4.
summary
This bill allows the study of race, ethnicity and culture in Maine to be taught in the State's elementary and secondary schools as a component of Maine studies.