Asian American History in Schools: Progress Amidst Anti-Asian Hate

As high school students in the West Hartford Public Schools district prepare to study World War II, their curriculum is expanding to include notable figures like Sadao Munemori, the first Japanese American awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

Jessica Blitzer, the district’s social studies department supervisor, highlighted the importance of such inclusivity, stating, “How have we not been doing that? This is crucial, especially given our diverse student population.”

After Connecticut became the third state to mandate Asian American and Pacific Islander history in K-12 education, a comprehensive curriculum is being implemented, with instruction reaching nearly all grades, emphasizing year-round learning rather than a limited heritage month approach.

In response to the surge of anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, advocates for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history have mobilized to make this education mandatory. Recent surveys indicate that most Asian American adults support the teaching of history through the lens of racism, segregation, and slavery.

While the curriculum aims to cover a wide range of topics, including stereotypes and significant historical events, it also faces challenges and disagreements among Asian American communities. Some progressive voices question the necessity of seeking legislative approval from lawmakers traditionally opposed to inclusive education reforms.

In July 2021, Illinois took the lead in mandating Asian American history, followed by New Jersey and Connecticut. The expanded curriculum includes reading accounts of new immigrants and significant legal battles, like Wong Kim Ark's fight for birthright citizenship.

Jason Oliver Chang from the University of Connecticut emphasized the impact student testimonials had on lawmakers, shedding light on the experiences of Asian American students feeling invisible in their educational environments.

Despite bipartisan support for requiring Asian American history, divisions remain, especially in conservative states where systemic racism is often dismissed. The implementation has sparked criticism, particularly in Florida, where the adoption of Asian American history was seen as hypocritical amidst the rejection of African American studies.

West Hartford Public Schools plans to continually assess and improve its curriculum, aiming for a balanced historical perspective that includes various communities. Assistant superintendent Anne McKernan mentioned that the goal is to provide a richer, more comprehensive look at history, highlighting both struggles and achievements.

Elementary grades are introducing cultural learning through literature, such as the picture book “Dumpling Soup,” allowing students to explore diverse Asian backgrounds in a relatable way.