The state of Alabama recently approved new social studies standards that will now include Sikh studies in the K-12 school curriculum for the first time ever. This initiative was the result of collaboration between the Sikh Coalition, the Alabama Department of Education, and the Alabama Sikh community. Alabama is now the 20th state in the US to include Sikh studies in their school curriculum.
The Sikh Coalition worked with the Sikh community in Alabama to advocate for the inclusion of Sikhi in the curriculum. They submitted letters, presented Sikh awareness materials, and garnered support from local gurdwaras. The goal was to raise awareness about Sikhs, prevent bullying in schools, and promote resilience and pride among Sikh American youth.
A national Sikh school climate report published by the Sikh Coalition in April 2023 highlighted the experiences of Sikh students in the US. The report found that a significant number of Sikh youth had experienced bullying, including physical violence. Inclusive education was identified as a key strategy to address bias-based bullying and promote a more positive school environment.
The Sikh Coalition is committed to promoting inclusive education beyond state standards advocacy. They provide resources, training, and support to educators, administrators, and students to ensure that Sikh history and culture are accurately represented in schools. The new standards in Alabama will integrate Sikh studies into world history and geography classes for Grade 8 and human geography classes for Grades 9-12 starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
Overall, the Sikh Coalition’s efforts have led to the inclusion of Sikh studies in state social studies standards across the US, impacting over 26 million students. They continue to work with schools and communities to ensure that Sikhs are represented in educational materials and curriculum nationwide.
Source link
