The District of Columbia State Board of Education has voted in favour of including Sikhism, or Sikhi, in the school curriculum. This decision will grant approximately 49,800 students the opportunity to gain insights into the rich culture and traditions of the Sikh community, while also increasing baseline cultural competency, decreasing ignorance, and promoting inclusivity.

This development is part of a nationwide effort to expand educational horizons and foster understanding, with 25 million students across the US now having the opportunity to receive a more comprehensive and inclusive education. Sikhism, the fifth largest religion globally, has made significant contributions to American society for over 125 years.

With the inclusion of Sikhism in the curriculum, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history and enduring influence of the Sikh community on the development of the United States. The Sikh Coalition welcomes the importance of these developments in promoting a greater understanding of Sikhism and its contributions to American society.

Students in #WashingtonDC will now have a chance to learn about the #Sikh community with the District of Columbia State Board of Education voting in favour of new social studies standards that will include Sikhi, or the Sikh faith, in the school curriculum. pic.twitter.com/jJtg1sTipP

— Amandeep Singh ਅਮਨਦੀਪ ਮਿਂਘ (@singhaman1904) July 8, 2023

Harman Singh, the Sikh Coalition Education Director, highlights that these standards not only benefit Sikh students but also provide all students with a foundation of understanding and respect for different cultures and faiths. It is clear that the inclusion of Sikhism in school curriculums is a step in the right direction.

It enables students to gain a greater understanding of the Sikh community, while also increasing baseline cultural competency and reducing ignorance. With this development, the US is taking a step towards inclusivity and fostering understanding between different cultures and faiths.