On Sept. 1, 2023, Governor Gavin Newson signed Assembly Bill 1354, requiring California K-12 schools to include an extended history of Asian Americans in social studies curricula.
The Instruction Quality Commission will be responsible for developing a new curriculum that incorporates more Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian history into social studies syllabuses for public schools. It will take approximately three years to complete the curriculum and launch it in schools.
Some proposed historical topics to be introduced include the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII and the Chinese Exclusion Act, as well as other examples of the discrimination faced by Asian Americans.
“It is important to teach Asian American history to help students understand and value how Asian Americans have impacted America,” freshman Alicia Feng said. “Further acknowledging Asian Americans’ place in the U.S.’ history will help ensure we are not marginalized or overlooked.”
The bill is in response to the rising number of acts of hate and discrimination against Asian Americans. The Associated Press-NORC for Public Affairs Research Center and AAPI Data found one in three Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders reported racial abuse last year.
“The author of the bill acknowledges that California has the largest Asian-American population in the country and that there is great value in diverse populations to strengthen democracy, promote equity, and expand opportunities for more people,” San Juan Unified School District Director of Communications Raj Rai said. “For this bill to pass, it seems likely that our representatives are also embracing this as a value, and they see the importance of sharing the rich contributions of Asian Americans.”
The bill was sponsored by Assembly member Mike Fong in response to the increase in violence against Asian Americans.
“Understanding the diverse histories and stories of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities is so important. AB 1354 will create curriculum frameworks for Asian American Studies in grades K-12, so that teachers have the tools they need to educate our youth. I am honored to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with our local youth,” Fong said in a statement.
