A classroom in Gaston County's W.A. Bess Elementary School. The state Board of Education voted 7-5 Thursday to approve controversial new standards for teaching history and social studies in North Carolina’s public schools. The vote came after hours of board debate over the past two weeks and thousands of comments from the public. The new standards have been in the works for almost two years. They strive to bring more diverse voices into classrooms and help students explore struggles against racism and oppression. Some argued that they shortchange America's strengths and promote a political agenda, while others say they provide a truer picture and encourage all students to be engaged.