May 14, 2023
Shout out to US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) in reintroducing legislation to promote the teaching of AANHPI history in schools.
The Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act would help increase awareness of the history, contributions and experiences of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States so that more students across the nation understand and appreciate the role Asians have played in America’s history.
Specifically, the act would:
- require grant applications from Presidential and Congressional Academies to include AANHPI history as part of their American history and civics programs
- encourage the inclusion of AANHPI history in national and state tests administered through the National Assessment of Education programs
- promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovating programming regarding AANHPI history
Nearly 20 states have mandated the teaching of AANHPI curriculum in their schools. Asian American history is American history. Link to Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act