SF 666

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/26/2021 10:08am

A bill for an act
relating to education; requiring school districts and charter schools to provide
climate justice instruction; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 120B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

[120B.25] CLIMATE JUSTICE INSTRUCTION.

Subdivision 1.

Climate justice instruction.

Climate justice means a framework that
puts people first and views the effects of climate change as interconnected with forms of
oppression connecting climate change to social and economic justice issues. School districts
and charter schools are required to provide climate justice instruction for students in grades
1 through 12 aligned with current scientific research and integrated into existing programs,
curriculum, or the general school environment of a district or charter school. The
commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency,
environmental organizations, teachers, and students must, by July 1, 2022, and July 1 of
each even-numbered year thereafter, provide districts and charter schools with resources
compiled by Minnesota environmental advocates. Priority must be given to traditionally
underrepresented students and teachers. The resources must include:

(1) age-appropriate model learning activities for grades 1 through 12 that encompass
environmental research-based projects;

(2) a directory of resources for planning and implementing age-appropriate climate
change curriculum and instruction in grades 1 through 12 across core curriculum classes
that includes resources on climate change and its impacts, climate justice and equity, and
environmental stewardship; and

(3) information and resources on jobs related to creating a sustainable, resilient, and just
transition toward a green economy.

Subd. 2.

Curriculum.

Climate justice instruction may include the following themes:

(1) climate change is occurring and it is caused by human activities;

(2) all forms of life on the planet are at risk;

(3) the history and current causes of climate change that have disproportionate effects
on communities already facing systemic oppression, specifically Black, Indigenous, and
other persons of color; people with disabilities; and low-income communities globally;

(4) the history and current causes of climate change and its interconnected effects on
inequity, systemic oppression, and injustice;

(5) addressing climate change requires systemic change that promotes and makes
environmental stewardship accessible;

(6) encouraging students to understand their climate stories, how they connect to others
around the globe, and the collective power of sharing their stories; and

(7) there are solutions, and a growing number of economic and employment opportunities
in discovering more solutions, including implementing and maintaining projects replacing
fossil fuel use with renewable energy.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.