Advocacy For Asian American Studies in School Curriculum

Introduction
Proposed Federal Legislation
K-12 Legislations by State
Stakeholder Organizations and Acknowledgements
Curriculum Resources

Advocacy For Asian American Studies in School Curriculum

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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

Learn

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

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Connect

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

engage

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

Meng Introduces Legislation to Promote the Teaching of Asian Pacific American History in Schools; Measure Seeks to Help Combat Bigotry and Discrimination Against Asian Americans | Congresswoman Grace Meng (house.gov)

Rep. Meng Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act one pager.pdf

Bill Text Text – H.R.2283 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

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!