(WRGB) — Tuesday marks five years since the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, when an estimated 2,000 supporters of President Trump stormed the building, forcing lawmakers into hiding and resulting in several deaths.
In New York, state lawmakers are proposing legislation to ensure this event is taught in public schools.
State Sen. John Liu and Assemblymember Charles Lavine introduced the measure nearly a year ago.
New York lawmakers push to teach Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot in schools-WRGB
Lavine emphasized the importance of teaching students about the history and aftermath of that day. He also stated students should be critical thinkers, learning the facts and truths of an event.
The proposed legislation would require collaboration between the Board of Regents, the State Education Department, and local boards of education.
Currently, the New York State Education Department does not mandate specific curricula, leaving decisions to the local level.
Supporters of the bill argue that President Trump led an insurrection on the Capitol, resulting in assaults and deaths of Capitol police officers.
Within hours of taking office last January, President Trump pardoned more than 1,000 people convicted for their roles in the riot.
The President’s own charges related to the riot and efforts to overturn the 2020 election results were dropped after his re-election in 2024.
The legislation must be passed and signed by December 2026 to become law.
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Efforts to reach Republican lawmakers for comment on the bill have been unsuccessful.
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