Iowa Becomes 21st State To Include Sikhi In School Curriculum

India-West News Desk

DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Board of Education has adopted new social studies standards that will include Sikhi as part of the state’s K-12 curriculum, making Iowa the 21st state to incorporate the religion into its academic framework.

According to the Sikh Coalition, its education team began engaging with state officials in fall 2025 during the standards review process. Representatives met with Iowa’s social studies consultant to present curriculum resources and discuss how lessons on Sikhi could align with the proposed updates.

The final version of the standards includes Sikhi in the seventh grade modern world history curriculum.

Savleen Singh, senior education manager for the Sikh Coalition, said the inclusion represents a significant step for Sikh students nationwide.

“After engaging with the Iowa Department of Education, we are excited to see Iowa become the 21st state to include Sikhi in its social studies standards,” Singh said. “At a time when Sikh students across the country continue to report bullying and misrepresentation in schools, this milestone sends a clear message that our identities and histories matter. While there is still important work ahead nationwide, ensuring that Sikhi is accurately taught in public schools is a critical proactive step towards fostering safer, and more inclusive classrooms for Sikh students as well as building broader long term understanding of the Sikh community amongst all in the classroom setting.”

The Sikh Coalition said it will continue working with the Iowa Board of Education during the implementation phase of the new standards. The organization has advocated for similar inclusion efforts across the country and estimates that more than 26 million students nationwide now have the potential to receive education that includes instruction on Sikhi.

The group also indicated it plans to continue advocacy in other states, including efforts this year to maintain the inclusion of Sikhi in Texas social studies standards.