REACH Coalition Backs AANHPI History Bill at Advocacy Day

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The Representing and Empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Community History (REACH) Coalition held its third annual Advocacy Day on Wednesday.

Push for Inclusive Education

At the New York State Capitol, advocates and lawmakers pushed for new social studies classes teaching about the impact Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have had on the U.S. To that end, REACH threw support behind S3334/A4638.

A Bill for Inclusive Education

The bill from State Sen. John Liu and Assemblymember Grace Lee—both Democrats—makes public elementary and high schoolers learn AANHPI history. The Department of Education would develop a syllabus for each age group that covers AANHPI people in New York and the Northeast, their contributions to society, their connections with other marginalized groups, and the cultural movements and government policies that affected them.

Community Support

Community members from across New York—including students, parents, and teachers—drove the push for inclusive education. They lobbied during 18 meetings with state senators and assemblymembers.

Lawmakers’ Support

Lawmakers approved the bill in past legislative sessions, and gathered 49 co-sponsors during 2024. Liu said, “For far too long, the contributions and struggles of Asian Americans have been marginalized or whitewashed entirely from our classrooms, leaving a void in our understanding of our nation’s true history.”

And “AANHPI history is American history,” according to Lee. “Integrating AANHPI history into our schools is a vital step toward fostering greater appreciation and inclusivity, helping students value the diverse fabric of American society.”

Open Letter

Earlier in February, a group lead by Make Us Visible NY released an open letter asking legislators to back the bill, citing a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and political attacks in recent years. They encourage readers to sign on to that letter directly.

Conclusion

The REACH Coalition’s advocacy efforts demonstrate the importance of inclusive education and the need to address the lack of representation of AANHPI individuals in the curriculum. By supporting S3334/A4638, lawmakers can take a crucial step in promoting greater understanding and appreciation for the significant contributions of AANHPI individuals to American society.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the REACH Coalition?
  The REACH Coalition is a group of organizations and individuals committed to promoting the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in education.
• What is the purpose of S3334/A4638?
  The purpose of S3334/A4638 is to require the Department of Education to develop a syllabus for each age group that covers AANHPI people in New York and the Northeast, their contributions to society, their connections with other marginalized groups, and the cultural movements and government policies that affected them.
• Why is inclusive education important?
  Inclusive education is important because it promotes greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse experiences and perspectives of AANHPI individuals, helping to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.