Meng introduces bill to ensure students learn Asian Pacific American history

New York: US Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, announced Oct 5 that she introduced the Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act (H.R. 8519), a bill to promote the teaching and learning of Asian Pacific American history in schools across the United States.

The announcement of the bill’s introduction comes on this day, 42 years ago, when President Jimmy Carter signed a Joint Resolution designating the annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. This week-long celebration was later extended to a month after President George H.W. Bush signed a bill passed by Congress in 1990.

 “For decades, our children’s social studies textbooks have misrepresented, or excluded, the history of Asian Pacific Americans,” said Congresswoman Meng. “Our children are graduating from high school without learning of the important contributions the Asian Pacific American community has made throughout our nation’s history. They are also graduating without learning of the disenfranchisement and discrimination Asian Pacific Americans have faced at the hands of the United States government. I firmly believe we cannot fully empower our students to be strong and empathetic leaders without teaching them all of America’s history – both the good and the bad. Our school teachings need to reflect the diversity of the American experience and accurately portray the history of Asian Pacific Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”

Asian Pacific Americans have made immeasurable contributions to our nation throughout its history. As far back as the 1700s, APAs have played an integral part in shaping American society. They have shaped the face of infrastructure, created the pillars of our economy, and bravely laid down their lives in service to their country. However, for generations, Asian Pacific American history has been poorly represented in our K-12 education system and social studies textbooks.

The Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act would require Presidential and Congressional Academies to include Asian Pacific American history as part of their American history and civics programs offered to students and teachers. Every year, hundreds of teachers and students attend these academies for an in-depth study in American history and civics, which includes visiting sites of historical importance.

Additionally, the Congresswoman’s legislation would encourage the inclusion of Asian Pacific American history in national and state tests administered through the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovative programming regarding Asian Pacific American history.

“History is collective memory that gives us a sense of connection to place, time, and community–and we applaud Rep. Grace Meng’s efforts to water and grow this sensibility such that students understand that America’s history includes the important experience of generations of Asian Americans,” said Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director of the Asian American Federation. 

Image courtesy of (Image source: Meng/Facebook)

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