Black History Matters Act reintroduced amid debate on education and DEI policies

A year ago, Karsonya Wise Whitehead helped introduce Freedom Schools, a free program dedicated to helping raise student literacy while providing education on Black History for all ages.

Dr. Whitehead—president of the Association for the Study of African American Life (ASALH), which runs the Freedom Schools—works to advance public knowledge about Black history through various programs. According to Whitehead, at least 12 states have direct mandates to teach Black history in schools, but a recent piece of legislation introduced by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) looks to change that.

The legislation titled, “Black History Matters” by Colemon will call on the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) to conduct a study on Black history education efforts in public elementary and secondary schools.

The act was originally introduced by Colemon in February 2023, during the 117th Congress, but had to be reintroduced in February 2025 to be considered by the 118th Congress. It has already gained 37 Democratic co-sponsors.

Colemon decided to introduce the legislation after a 2015 study by NMAAHC and Oberg Research —a research company specializing in museums—found that, on average, between eight and nine percent of history class time focuses on Black History, while some states ignore it entirely. Colemon said the act will research whether an effort has been made to increase this percentage.

“Black history is American history, and our education system needs to accurately reflect this nation’s history,” Coleman stated in a press release.

Colemon also referenced Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R-Fla.) ban on Advanced Placement African American Studies in high school in her reasoning for introducing the act. According to a report from NPR, Florida’s Education Department, headed by DeSantis, chose to ban the class after they determined it teaches critical race theory and has a political agenda.

“The course is a vehicle for a political agenda and leaves large, ambiguous gaps that can be filled with additional ideological material," said Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ press secretary.

Colemon said the actions by the Florida Department of Education were an “attempt” to erase Black history and also contribute to the idea that advanced African American courses are not “historically accurate.” She added that New Jersey, which she represents in Congress, is one of the 12 states to require Black history in elementary and secondary schools.

“We need to ensure that every student has an opportunity to quality education and that our education systems teach curriculums that reflect the rich history of our country,” Colemon stated.

Regarding the legislation, Whitehead said it’s going to be a “challenge” to pass through Congress because the Democratic Party does not have the majority and because of the Trump administration’s current stances on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

According to a report from Education Week—a news organization covering education—in February 2025, the Trump administration’s Department of Education sent a letter by Craig Trainor. Trainor—who is the acting assistant secretary for civil rights—stated that race-based programs are illegal, according to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution.

“Institutions that fail to comply with federal civil rights law may, consistent with applicable law, face potential loss of federal funding,” Trainor stated in his letter.

While the Trump administration is against some DEI practices in education, he recently held an event celebrating Black History Month at the White House in February 2025. Coincidentally, ASALH first established Negro History Week, which later turned into Black History Month.

However, Whitehead said efforts to increase the teaching of Black history in schools should be in addition to initiatives that increase community discussions, like ASALH’s Freedom Schools program. Although there are only eight Freedom Schools, Whitehead said participants of all ages appreciate the space being made to learn about Black history.

“We can push the four walls of the classroom and use any space that we have to teach our people about the history of this country,” Whitehead said.

Maggie Rhoads is a student journalist attending George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs. At The Fulcrum, she covers how legislation and policy are impacting communities.