Currently at the Memorial & Museum
Education Committee Passes HB2750
New Bill Incorporates Lessons from Bombing in State Curriculum
February 03, 2010
The House bill mandating the State Board of Education to incorporate teaching the story of April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building and the role it played in the history of Oklahoma and the nation passed the Common Education House Committee today.
Representative Ann Coody chaired the committee at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Following Representative Lee Denney’s presentation of the specifics of the bill, Representative Doug Cox remarked, "I first questioned why this bill would be necessary and then after input realized this story is not being taught in the classroom. This bill is important to make sure it doesn’t fall through the cracks."
An excerpt from HB2750 as introduced
…A study of the bombing and its aftermath can help students learn the impact of violence, the senseless to solve problems or effect government change and the importance of personal resonsilibitiy. The State Department of Education may make program materials and resources concerning the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City provided by the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum available to the public schools of this state….
"I was skeptical at first and then I checked with my district schools and learned that while it is in some Oklahoma History textbooks it is not a part of the Oklahoma PASS Objectives. I now understand why it is so important," said Representative Ed Cannady.
Superintendent Sandy Garrett reminded the committee that only Oklahoma and Texas mandate that state history is taught, but this bill will ensure this story is taught in both Oklahoma and United States History courses in all Oklahoma classrooms beginning in the 2010-2011 school year.
The bill now goes to the House floor for a vote by the House of Representatives and then to the Senate.
Click the following link to see the bill as it was filed. HB2750 (PDF)
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