There are several pieces of legislation introduced each year in the state Legislature to require schools to teach the history other than basic world or United States history. State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, is adding Italian history to that list with S.7618. The bill, like the others, would direct that state education commissioner to require curriculum or instruction in Italian history and civic impact in public schools.

“It is important to incorporate Italian-American History into public-school curriculum to help dispel the ignorance and negative stereotypes that have remained prevalent in our culture and allow students to know the positive impacts Italian-Americans have had on our culture and society,” Borrello wrote.