In recent months, legislators in New York, Wisconsin, and Illinois have proposed bills requiring school districts to incorporate more Asian American history in their elementary and high school social studies curricula. The provisions include adding region-based Asian American history and accomplishments in the social, economic, cultural, and political realms of the United States. While New York’s bill awaits discussion,  Illinois’ “Teaching Equitable Asian-American History Act” is only a governor’s signature away from being implemented.

These recent developments come amid an uptake in Anti-Asian hate. In the past year, advocacy group Stop AAPI Hate received nearly 3,800 reports of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Since understanding Asian cultures will make citizens more open-minded to the Asian diaspora, an expanded history curriculum may counter the wave of violence. 

The United States’ education system has long disregarded Asian American history. Current curricula only discuss experiences of early Chinese migrants and the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II, neglecting the critical role of Asian Americans in the civil rights movement and other contributions to modern American life. For instance, it is widely unknown that during the 1970s, Asian Americans protested for ethnic studies in university programs and improved factory conditions.  Indeed, the Asian American community consists of diverse ethnic groups such as the Hmongs, Filipinos, and Vietnamese. Our history should not be reduced to two events, nor should our indelible economic and cultural impacts be ignored.

Learning about the overlooked history of Asian ethnic groups will give students an informed view of the Asian American community. Instead of buying into the model minority myth or other stereotypes, both Asian and non-Asian students will be more mindful of various backgrounds. According to the National Education Association, a curriculum illustrating minority experiences can “help students and communities to recognize and celebrate their diversity.”

Including a more diverse history curriculum in schools not only broadens students’ worldview but also provides educational benefits. A study conducted by the Stanford Graduate School of Education found that high school students at risk of dropping out increased their attendance, academic performance, and number of course credits after taking an ethnic studies class. Like cultural studies, the new curriculum standards can improve students’ intellectual engagement and increase their willingness to learn. 

While these bills strive to better Asian American representation in the classroom, some critics believe that they are just glorified methods of implementing critical race theory into the education system. Nevertheless, the purpose of teaching Asian history and culture is to educate and spread awareness of Asian contributions to America, not to take a divisive stance on current racial issues. 

Given our growing presence in America, increasing representation of Asian contributions and culture will foster more welcoming communities for present Asian Americans and future immigrants. Not to mention, raising awareness today is an act of gratitude to the Asian Americans of the past who left a lasting imprint on American society. While we might not be able to thank them today personally, their legacies should not be forgotten.