Sponsors (98)
Introduced February 26, 2026 by Kweisi Mfume · Last progress February 26, 2026
The bill expands access to accurate, museum-backed curricula, teacher support, and public access to collections—strengthening education and civic engagement—while imposing modest federal and local costs, creating potential adoption inequities and political controversy, and leaving some programs vulnerable without guaranteed appropriations.
K–12 and postsecondary students nationwide gain access to more accurate, comprehensive curricula on African American (and other underrepresented groups') history, expanding classroom content from slavery through modern contributions.
Teachers and schools receive professional development, ready-made digital and print curricula (including Smithsonian-developed resources), and partnerships that reduce teacher preparation burden and improve classroom instruction.
Members of the public (students, families, and communities) gain increased access to museum collections and interpretive materials through digitization, translation, traveling exhibitions, and public programming that broaden reach beyond museum walls.
Students, parents, and local taxpayers may face political controversy and local resistance because framing instruction through a social‑justice/anti‑bias lens and broad statutory definitions could provoke disputes over curriculum content and local control.
All taxpayers may bear additional federal cost (roughly $20 million authorized over five years if appropriated) and ongoing program expenses funded under the Act.
Smaller, rural, and under-resourced school districts may struggle to afford the time, partnerships, and technology needed to adopt new curricula and museum programs, risking wider educational inequities.
Based on analysis of 12 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture to expand education, digitization, scholarship, teacher training, and public programs, with $4M/year authorized for FY2027–FY2031.
Creates a federal program run by the National Museum of African American History and Culture to expand public education, scholarship, digitization, teacher training, fellowships, and online resources about African American history, and authorizes funding for those activities. Requires annual public reporting to Congress and briefings through 2030, and expresses congressional support for improving instruction in minority-group histories and empowering other Smithsonian museums to develop teaching materials. Funding authorization is set at $4,000,000 per year for FY2027–FY2031.