Senators Vote to Revert Language in Controversial Bill Dealing with History Curriculum in Schools

After hours of hearing testimony and asking questions, senators who make up the Committee on Education and Workforce Development voted to revert a piece of legislation that is not only causing division over the integration of VI and Caribbean History in the school curriculum, but voids a 10-year civil court case.

On December 29th 2022, the 34th Legislature amended a 30-year law - Act #4844 - to state that Virgin Islands History and Caribbean history should be “integrated” in the curriculum from kindergarten through to Grade 12. Former Senator Genevieve Whitaker – the bill's sponsor in the 34th Legislature — wanted to ensure that local and Caribbean-centered history were mandatory at all public schools in the territory by intentionally structuring lessons into the curriculum.

The change, however, has caused fierce debate over the importance of knowing VI History and the impact of the change on a case against the V.I. Dept. of Education and the V.I. Board of Education.

"The department will take a position on the bill upon completion of our collaborative efforts with all pertinent stakeholders," remarked Victor Somme III, the assistant commissioner of the Department of Education. Education Commissioner Dr. Dionne Wells-Hedrington was also in agreement.

The timeline was revealed when education officials appeared before the Legislature, in part, driven to find a resolution about how VI History and basic Caribbean History will fit into the curriculum.

Based on the Board of Education’s policy, VI History is first required as a credited, standalone course in 9th grade. It is a graduation requirement for high school seniors, but is taught within the context of the Social Studies curriculum in elementary schools.