Albany, NY – A bill mandating the creation of an Asian American history curriculum (A4638), led by Assemblymember Grace Lee, is gaining traction in the state legislature. 45 Assemblymembers have signed onto the bill, including 16 members of the Standing Committee on Education. The bill has received 16 new sign-ons since the beginning of this year’s Assembly session.

Assemblymember Lee’s bill requires the commissioner of education to establish Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history and civic impact curriculum or instructions for school districts. Currently, there is no established AANHPI history curriculum, resulting in underrepresentation of Asian American history in New York’s classrooms. The absence of an inclusive curriculum has contributed to misinformation and harmful stereotypes about AANHPI communities, contributing to the dramatic rise in anti-Asian hate since the pandemic. By including AANHPI history in New York’s public school curriculums, this bill will educate New Yorkers about AANHPI culture and heritage and will encourage greater acceptance and inclusion of New York’s Asian community.

“With the federal government's attacks on immigrants and Asians, now more than ever we need to teach Asian American history” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “I’m very grateful that my colleagues in the state legislature are recognizing this and supporting my AANHPI Curriculum Bill. Protecting our Asian American community starts in our classrooms, where we can teach young people to recognize Asian Americans as equal and valuable members of American society.”