Meng, Hirono Introduce Legislation to Promote the Teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History in Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C.— May 23 :
U.S. Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), and U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act, bicameral legislation to promote the teaching of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in schools across the country. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made and continue to make immeasurable contributions to our nation, including in sports, arts, government, science, business, and military service. However, the K-12 education system and social studies textbooks have poorly represented how AANHPIs have played pivotal roles in shaping America for the better. In a recent survey, 42% of respondents were unable to name a famous Asian American, and 42% were unable to name a famous Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. 

“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made invaluable contributions to our nation – yet for far too long, our history has been ignored and overlooked in the classroom,” said Rep. Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “The Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act aims to change that. I am proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Hirono to ensure that our stories are taught in schools and textbooks, especially at a time when

AANHPI communities are under attack by those who wish to erase our achievements and sacrifices. AANHPI history is American history, and it deserves to be honored for generations to come.” “Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is critical to gaining a better understanding of the discrimination and prejudice endured by the AANHPI community, as well as our community’s many accomplishments,” said Senator Hirono. “As diversity, equity, and inclusion continue to be attacked by the Trump administration,
this legislation would help increase awareness of the history, contributions, and experiences of the AANHPI community. I am proud to reintroduce the Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History Act with Representative Meng to give our students a better understanding of the roles the AANHPI community has played in history and help dismantle harmful stereotypes and discrimination.” 

The Teaching AANHPI History Act requires Presidential and Congressional Academies’ grant applicants and recipients to include Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian 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, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, for an in-depth study of American history and civics. 


The bill would also encourage the inclusion of AANHPI history within national and state tests administered through the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and promote collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to develop innovative programming. 

“Ensuring that Asian Pacific American History is taught in our classrooms across the country is critical for the progress of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities,” said Gregg Orton, National Director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). “The continued disregard of APA history - including the stories, experiences, and contributions from our AANHPI communities in curriculum has led to the erasure of many generations. This key bill would allow our students across the country to see themselves, while educating others on the importance of understanding our roots and cultural history. Stories of our communities' resilience and perseverance are integral to the cultural fabric of our nation. We thank CAPAC Chair Meng and Senator Hirono for their leadership and continued commitment to advancing this bill and look forward to seeing its passage.” 


“This bill is needed today more than ever given the ongoing attacks on inclusive education," said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC. “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander histories should be taught in every classroom along with other underrepresented histories, including African American, Latino, and Native American histories. We are doing a grave disservice to the next generation if they do not learn the whole history of our nation. Teaching diverse curricula is critical to building a better, more inclusive future.” 


“At a time when the Trump administration is actively working to undermine the teaching of accurat history by minimizing the deep, lasting harms of slavery and attempting to erase the contributions of people of color, this legislation is essential,” said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). “The SPLC strongly denounces the president’s efforts to mask racism and white supremacy as patriotism. We applaud Rep. Meng and Sen. Hirono for their leadership in introducing the Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act, which centers and celebrates the many contribution of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our nation.” 

“Ensuring that the rich and vital history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders is taught in our schools isn’t just about representation, it’s about providing all students with a complete and accurate understanding of American history,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). “The Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act is an important step toward acknowledging the immeasurable contributions of AANHPI communities, addressing the roots of discrimination and fostering a more inclusive and informed future for all our students so that they can navigate an increasingly diverse and complex world.” 


“We are proud to support Congresswoman Meng’s steadfast leadership in reintroducing this vital legislation to ensure Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander histories are fully recognized as part of the American story,” said Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “Representation in education is foundational to belonging. By requiring the inclusion of AANHPI history in curricula and national assessments, this bill helps combat harmful stereotypes and invisibility that too often contribute to disparities in our communities. We urge Congress to act swiftly in passing this bill and affirm that our histories—and our futures—matter.” 

“Every student deserves to see themselves reflected in their education, and to learn about the experiences and cultures of the diverse communities that make up our nation's history,” said Mannirmal Kaur, Senior Federal Policy Manager of the Sikh Coalition. “Diverse educational materials don’t just instill a sense of belonging and empowerment in students from marginalized communities—they cultivate empathy and awareness and among all students, providing a more well-rounded education for every child. It is our duty to provide all of our children with a meaningful and holistic education so that they may better understand the world they live in, and the Teaching AANHPI History Act will bring us one step closer towards that goal.” 


“OCA proudly endorses Senator Hirono and Representative Meng’s Teaching AANHPI History Act, said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. “This bill represents a historic step in uplifting AANHPI communities by ensuring our stories and presence are included in our nation’s school curricula. For years, OCA has advocated for the inclusion of AANHPI narratives in K-12 education because our history is American history, and it deserves to be taught as such. Incorporating these stories is essential to combating discrimination and fostering greater understanding and empathy. We appreciate Senator Hirono and Representative Meng’s continued leadership in advancing this bill and look forward to seeing its impact.” 


“We strongly support the Teaching Asian Pacific American History Act,” said Huy Pham, Executive Director of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation (APIAHiP). “At APIAHiP, we know that history lives not just in textbooks, but in the places, memories, and lived experiences of our communities. This bill
is a critical step toward ensuring that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander stories are not erased, but rightfully included in our national narrative. By expanding access to AANHPI history in classrooms, we help students of all backgrounds understand the full complexity of America’s past — and empower the next generation to preserve, honor, and protect the places that carry those histories.” 


“For our children to appreciate the diverse tapestry of this Nation, they must learn the full breadt of the American experience, which inextricably includes the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). “Our history is not an elective; it is essential. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association applauds the reintroduction of the Teaching AANHPI History Act, and we extend our gratitude to CAPAC Chair Grace Meng for her leadership on this issue and in our community." 


“The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (National ACE) proudly supports the Teaching AANHPI History Act,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are a vital part of America’s story. Recognizing their contributions and challenges is essential for fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of our history. We extend our gratitude to CAPAC Chair Meng for her leadership in advancing this important effort.” 


“The Indian Diaspora Council International expresses its full support for ‘Teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History,’ which is integral to understanding the origins, history, traditions and culture of a significant segment of our population, thereby enhancing our diversity and strength,”
said Ashook Ramsaran, President of the Indian Diaspora Council. 

“Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history is marked by tremendous contributions to our nation’s progress, alongside painful experiences of exclusion and discrimination,” said Gary Locke, former U.S. Ambassador to China and Chair of the Chinese American nonprofit Committee of 100. “It’s essential that students learn the full story—from the challenges to the triumphs. Committee of 100 applauds Congresswoman Meng for her leadership on the Teaching AANHPI History Act and strongly encourages Congress to pass this vital legislation.” 

“America has to be an inclusive society to succeed,” said Haipei Shue, President of United Chinese Americans (UCA). “And one of the pillars of that inclusiveness must come from educating the next generation that Asian Pacific American history is indeed American history.” In the Senate, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). In the House, this resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Nanette Barragán
(D-CA), Ami Bera (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Ed Case (D-HI), Judy Chu (D-CA), Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), Danny Davis (D-IL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Daniel Goldman (D-NY), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Al Green (D-TX), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), George Latimer (D-NY), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Seth Magaziner (D-RI), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Dave Min (D-CA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Derek Tran (D-CA), Juan Vargas (CA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Nikema Williams
(D-GA). 

Organizations that have endorsed the Meng-Hirono legislation include AAPI New Jersey, American Federation
of Teachers (AFT), APA Justice, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), Asian & Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation (APIAHiP), Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars (APIA Scholars),

Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), Committee of 100, Educators for Excellence, Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Fred T. Korematsu Institute, Indian Diaspora Council, Japanese American Citizens League (JACL),

National ACE, National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD), National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, PFLAG National, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC), Southern Poverty Law Center, Stop AAPI Hate, The Sikh Coalition, and United Chinese Americans (UCA). 

The full text of the resolution is available
here.