Curriculum Advocacy – Rhode Island
On Feb. 2, 2022, Rhode Island State Rep. Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung (R-15) introduced a bill that would require Asian American history be taught in public elementary and high schools. The curriculum would require all public schools to provide at least one unit of instruction in Asian American history, which can be taught online. The curriculum would cover Asian American contributions in various fields, including the advancement of civil rights, as well as the history of AAPI communities in Rhode Island and the Northeast. The corresponding Senate bill is sponsored by Senator Sandra Cano.
On Jun.17, 2022, the State General Assembly successfully passed the bill. The bill is headed to Governor Daniel McKee’s desk to be signed into law.
Bill Text: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/BillText/BillText22/HouseText22/H7272.pdf
Media Coverage
- 06/19/2022 Rhode Island passes bill requiring teaching of AAPI culture (msn.com)
- 06/08/2022 Rhode Island Lawmakers Pass Bill Requiring Asian American Studies – AsAmNews
- https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/09/metro/gop-legislator-introduces-bill-require-asian-american-history-be-taught-rhode-island-schools/
- https://nextshark.com/rhode-island-legislation-api-history-education/
