Introduction
Asian Americans account for close to 7% of the entire U.S. population – that’s over 22 million Americans. The diverse Asian American racial demographic is the fastest growing group in the nation. However, Asian American history and contributions are not reflected in current kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) education. At the college level, Asian American studies courses are only available at a small number of schools. This lack of representation perpetuates racist prejudices toward Asian Americans and negatively impacts communities across the U.S.
For decades, advocates have been hoping that Asian American history will be taught in schools as part of Social Studies education to promote public awareness and fuller integration of Asian Americans into U.S. society. There has been some progress but much more needs to be done. Now new momentum is building around the nation to push this agenda forward.
The nationwide increase in anti-Asian hate sentiments and crimes highlights the urgent need to promote Asian American Studies curriculum in our schools. This long-overdue curriculum can counteract existing biases and bolster our own community’s sense of belonging and agency. It is imperative that we give the American youths today a more complete and balanced foundation in our collective multicultural and multiethnic history and narrative, and prepare them to become citizens of a more just and harmonious society for tomorrow.
Project Goals

Learn
from education experts and academic researchers in the field of Asian American Studies

Connect
advocates and stakeholders from different states with each other and with their legislature

Engage
the community in the advocacy, legislation and implementation of the curriculum
Proposed Federal Legislation
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY6) Introduces The Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act (H.R. 2283) in the 117th Congress (2021-2022)
Rep. Meng’s Press Release
Rep. Meng Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act one pager.pdf
List of Co-sponsors Cosponsors – H.R.2283 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Take Action: If the representative in your congressional district has not yet signed up as a co-sponsor, you can organize local advocacy groups and encourage your representative to cosponsor the bill. Local action can really make a difference!
K-12 Legislation By State
Please click on a state to view detailed information including legislation texts, status, and media reports.
- Has an Ethnic Studies law including mandate for AAPI History
- Has an Ethnic Studies law without mandate for AAPI History
- Ethnic Studies law with mandate for AAPI History currently in the legislative process
- States taking non-legislative approach
- Legislation being proposed but not yet formally submitted
Stakeholder Organizations and Acknowledgements
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Los Angeles
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago
- The Asian American Education Project
- Coalition for Anti-Racism, Equity & Justice in Education
- MakeUsVisible New Jersey
- New England Chinese American Association
- The Chinese School Association in the United States (CSAUS)
- The Immigrant History Initiative
- 美华史记 The US Dandelion Project
- The 1882 Foundation
Curriculum Resources
- Asian American Education Project (AAEP)
- Curriculum Resources
- Association For Asian American Studies (AAAS)
- AAAS is the professional association of university faculty and researchers in the field of Asian American Studies, with the mission to promote research, develop the field, and educate the public.
- National Education Association (NEA) EDJustice
- National Council of Teachers of English Home – NCTE
- TAAEP (asianamericanedu.org)
- FSI | SPICE – SPICE Lesson Plans & Teaching Resources (stanford.edu)
- Lesson Plan based on the 2017 Documentary “The Chinese Exclusion Act”
- Anti Racist Teaching & Learning Collective
- Teaching Asian American Studies Resource Guide — Anti Racist Teaching & Learning Collective
- Association For Asian American Studies (AAAS)
- School Advocacy Resource
- AAPI Population Percentage By State