Illinois becomes first state to mandate Asian American history in public schools

In a watershed moment, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation requiring that Asian American history be taught in public schools starting in the 2022-2023 school year. "We are setting a new standard for what it means to truly reckon with our history. It's a new standard that helps us understand one another, and, ultimately, to move ourselves closer to the nation of our ideals," Pritzker said while reaffirming his commitment to creating more inclusive classrooms.

Many congratulations to TAAF's grantees, Asian American Advancing Justice-Chicago and the Asian American Education Project, for their tireless efforts to engage teachers and students in a K-12 curriculum centered on AAPI history. While also advocating for inclusion and curricular standards, the Teaching Equitable Asian American History (TEAACH) Act comes at a time when growing numbers of Asian Americans have become the targets of hate crimes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Learning about Asian American and Pacific Islander history, struggle and contributions are critical to understanding who we are today and where we're going as a nation. Teaching students about Asian American history will help combat false stereotypes.