HB2997

SCH CD-ARAB AMERICAN HISTORY

Chamber Passed·4/10/25

Illinois HB2997 mandates public schools to include Arab American history in their curriculum starting in 2026.

HB2997 requires Illinois public elementary and high schools to incorporate a unit on Arab American history into their curriculum starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This unit will cover the history of Arab Americans in Illinois and the Midwest, along with their contributions since the 19th century. The State Superintendent of Education can provide instructional materials, including those from the Public Broadcasting Service, to assist school boards in developing this unit. Each school board will decide the minimum instructional time needed.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 70–38 · Apr 10, 2025
Current
Assignments Committee
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

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25
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

67 Yea

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35 Nay

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10 Not Voting

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Calendar

Apr 9, 2025

8:00 AM

Education Policy Committee Hearing

Mar 20, 2025

2:00 PM

Education Policy Committee Hearing

History

Mar 13

House

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Theresa Mah

Oct 15, 2025

Senate

Added as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Ram Villivalam

Jun 2, 2025

Senate

Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments