Philadelphia City Council Resolution to Teach Truth

On September 23, 2021, the Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution,

Denouncing attacks on efforts to address systemic racism in the United States and urging the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to reject House Bill 1532, which aims to prohibit instruction on the history of racial oppression and the examination of how racism functions in our law, policy, and society.

This comprehensive resolution excoriates the House Bill which is now being considered in Pennsylvania. It specifically praises resources such as the New York Times 1619 Project, which has been banned in several states that have passed laws similar to House Bill 1532.

The City Council resolution, introduced by Council Member Helen Gym, a former teacher, and co-sponsored by six other Council members, affirms Philadelphia’s commitment to anti-racist teaching.

Our schools must continue to embrace the fundamental civic responsibility to teach the truth to all students, which includes an accurate history of race and racism in the Commonwealth and our nation, and how that history shapes our institutions, so that we can collectively pursue racial justice in our communities and beyond. . .

Helen Gym speaking at #TeachTruth rally in Philadelphia on August 27, 2021.

It goes on to say that the City Council,

Denounces attacks on efforts to address systemic racism in the United States and urges the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to reject House Bill 1532, which aims to prohibit instruction on the history of racial oppression and the examination of how racism functions in our law, policy, and society.

The Resolution was passed unanimously.